Louis Meyer

Louis J. Meyer, 73, of Millersville passed away Sunday, May 30, 2004, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Jan. 21, 1931, in Campbell, Mo., son of Louis F. and Joyce E. Overall Meyer, who both preceded him in death.

Meyer graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1952 with a bachelor of science degree in education. On Sept. 11, 1952, he enlisted in the Air Force Cadet Program at Lackland Air Base.

By 1960, he had attained the rank of captain and by 1968 the rank of major. In 1958, he attended training in New Mexico as a fighter pilot for the F-86 and was recognized as "Top Gun."

From 1959 to 1965 he served the SAC flying the B-47 bomber, and from 1966 to 1967 he served the TAC while stationed in Thailand. During Vietnam he flew 114 missions in the F-104. Meyer retired Oct. 1, 1972. While serving his country he received the following citations and medals: the National Defense Medal; Good Conduct Medal; Combat Readiness Medal; and the Air Medal with nine oak leaf clusters.

He was also part of the Royal Order of Starfighters, a group recognized for flying twice the speed of sound in the F-104. After his retirement in 1972 he moved to Jackson and joined his father raising Registered Polled Herefords.

In 1978 he moved to the farm south of Millersville. For several years he owned and operated the TBI Video and Book Store in Jackson and also the Last Chance Book Store in Jackson until 2002.

Loving survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Lin Meyer, Des Peres, Mo.; two nephews, Matt and his wife Cindy of Town and Country, Mo., and Lee and his wife Cindy of Millstadt, Ill.; three great-nephews; one great-niece; and a host of other cousins.

Friends may call Tuesday, June 1, between 4 and 8 p.m. at the McCombs Funeral Home in Jackson. Funeral service will be Wednesday, June 2, at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with the Revs. Steven Sander and Jerry Sander officiating.

Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery in Campbell at 3:30 p.m. with graveside military honors.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to the American Heart Fund or to Southeast Missouri State University.