Rick Meyer
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Rick Meyer, 67, of Columbia died at his home October 10, 2023 following a final diagnosis of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease, in August 2023. He was born Richard (Rick) Allen Meyer on January 12, 1956 to Don and Doris Meyer in St. Louis, Missouri. Rick moved with his family when he was 3 years old to Rolla, Missouri where he lived until a move to Boone County in 1985.
After graduation from Rolla High School, he worked at Firestone Tires doing a bit of everything at the store and in the repair shop there. He oversaw the Bandag’s Retreading business at Firestone where tires from 18-wheel semis were given a renewed life. He also volunteered for the Rolla Rural Fire Protection District for years, a rewarding job he certainly relished. In Columbia he worked as a Security Officer at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics. Rick was the 3rd shift Supervising Officer for years until his retirement in 2017. After retirement he worked part time as a driver for KIA where he found enjoyment and new friends.
Rick always had a heart for caring and investing in children. He worked as a Playground Supervisor at both Parkade and Shepard Elementary Schools in Columbia. At Shepard he was also a Paraprofessional where he worked with students who had learning disabilities. He found that work to be especially meaningful, satisfying and rewarding.
He had many hobbies and interests including, but not limited to bowling, fishing, and hunting. Reloading ammunition began as a hobby but became a passion. He reloaded the ammunition for his many different guns, “just to be on the safe side”. Rick will be remembered for his willingness to help his family and friends anyway he could. Whether it was a car that needed minor repairs, a home repair or installation, a driveway that needed to be shoveled, a ride to or from someplace, Rick was ready to help. One of his favorite memories were the Mission Trips to Mississippi and Louisiana after Katrina that he took with other members of Alive In Christ Lutheran church. Back at home, he would talk about the great needs of the people there and his desire to help return the cities closer to a pre-hurricane state. Whatever the need, Rick would do his best to meet that need for his friends and family.
He was preceded in death by son, David Meyer; parents, Don and Doris Meyer; in-laws, Walt and Corinne Pankow; and brother in-laws, Rick Pankow and Pat Davidson.
Rick is survived by his wife, Val Meyer; daughters, Rachel (Benny) Bennison and Crystal (Matt) Arellano; and son, Chris (Molly) Meyer; grandchildren Andrew, Alex and Austin Bennison, Ian, Tucker and Willow Arellano and Theo, Harrison and Eloise Meyer; siblings, Don (Leannette), Judy and Mike; and in-laws Brenda Davidson, Craig (Peggy) Pankow and Linda Pankow, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
As per his wishes, a cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for March 23, 2024.
Dear Val and family, so sorry for your loss Rick definitely was a wonderful person and helper. He helped me with installing idoggie doors for my dog. We
really appreciated him. He was always very kind.
He will be missed.
Gina
Rick touched so many lives. He will be missed. We will keep you and Rachel in our hearts and prayers.
Val, You’ve done a beautiful job of picturing Rick’s life. He truly lived his faith! We feel blessed to be a part of, although small, your lives.
We pray that your family will walk on with fond memories and joy in knowing you’ll celebrate Our King together for eternity. We love you and your sweet Rachel!
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s passing. May God continue to hold You and Your Family in His Loving arms.
Val and Family, Vicky and I were so very sorry to hear about Rick’s passing. He will be missed by us and the rest of the neighborhood. I know he was always willing to help me while we were at KIA. He would never hesitate to take one or more trips when he was needed. And he replaced me when I had an accident and he said he was only holding the job until I returned. I know that kept him busy because I never made it back. He would always stop at the house and John, Tom and I would set on the front porch and talk for quite awhile. He will be missed by all of us.
Val and family,
My heart hurts thinking this world has lost a great guy! I’m so sorry for your loss! Rick was such a great supervisor and para for me at Shepard! I always knew he had the eyes of a loving daddy out on that playground and that was invaluable to me! However, he did love to have fun and I hope Saint Peter doesn’t let him play with the water hoses in heaven as he will have everyone soaking wet! What a privilege to have worked with him!
This obituary says so much in that Rick loved God and he loved people. This shows the heart of our Lord. That’s the testimony of a faithful servant.
I’m so sorry for your loss, but in my spirit I rejoice for Rick because he dwells in the house of the Lord now – no more pain or suffering.
Dear Val, my thoughts and prayers will be with you and the family as you travel this path. Rick was awesome and I am so glad that I was able to know him when working with both of you. Love and peace to you and your family.
To Val and family. So sorry for your loss. Another one of those good people who worked at the Med Center gone. Lots of good memories left behind.
Val and Family,
I am saddened to hear of your loss. I knew Rick at Shepard Blvd Elementary School, where he always showed great care and love for the students as well as being a friend to the staff. May you find comfort in your memories of a truly kind man.
I have to say this broke my heart. Rick and I have been friends since First Grade. Always a smile, a hug and kind words for me. I was surprised to accidentally run into him at the University Hospital where he was the Security Guard. We shared many great times…RIP kind soul. You will be missed!
Val… so sorry for your loss…. Rick was a true friend… thoughts and prayers are with you and family… Ralph and Harriett
It was a pleasure to get to know you and Rick, many hugs and prayers sent your way. ((Hugs))