R.F. "PEG" MEYER

R.F. "Peg" Meyer, 92, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Dec. 2, 1995, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born at Oak Ridge Sept. 29, 1903, son of William Otto and Hulda Kurre Meyer.

A riverboat jazz musician during the 1920s, Meyer was well known for his musical contributions to Cape Girardeau and Southeast Missouri. During his work on excursion boats, he traveled the Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois rivers, playing at various towns along the way.

He was the author of two books. His latest, "Backwoods Jazz in the Twenties," was released in 1989. In 1973, he published a book on musical instrument repair, which is used throughout the world.

Meyer became interested in instrumental music as a student at Cape Central High School. With his curved, B-Flat soprano saxophone, he formed a band and often played in the school cafeteria when students returned from lunch.

Later he organized a band and toured the region, playing for area dances and on the stage of the Broadway Theater in Cape Girardeau.

He later worked as an instrument salesmen, and in that capacity started bands in 55 area schools in Southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois and Northern Arkansas.

He operated a music store here and later worked at Shivelbine's Music Store.

He is survived by two nieces, Melba Rose Lewis of Cape Girardeau and Margie Caterson of Palos Verdes, Calif.

He was preceded in death by a sister.

Graveside service will be held at New Lorimier Cemetery Monday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. David Disson, officiating.