Thomas L. Meyer

Thomas L. Meyer, 98 years of age, passed away peacefully Monday, March 6, 2017, at his home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 29, 1918, in Old Appleton, the son of Hugo J. and Albertine Buchheit Meyer.

He attended grade school at St. Joseph in Apple Creek, Missouri, as well as St. Boniface in Perryville, Missouri, and high school at St. Vincent de Paul in Perryville.

He married the love of his life, Helen Giroir Meyer, on May 8, 1941. They were both active and engaged members of St. Mary's Parish.

Thomas L. was a patriot and proudly served his country as a master training sergeant in the Army Air Corps in World War II from 1941 to 1945.

Thomas L. received his real-estate license in 1946. He became an entrepreneur in 1950 and started Thomas L. Meyer Realty in Cape Girardeau. He was a true pioneer of the real-estate industry in Southeast Missouri and was the longest-licensed Realtor Broker in the state of Missouri.

Thomas L. enjoyed flying, woodworking, making rosaries and spending time with his great-grandchildren. He made prayer bracelets that numbered over 5,000 with the plant seed called Job's tears. He numbered and tracked each bracelet with names and addresses, some as far as Europe. Thomas L. also made other items, such as candle holders and crucifixes for St. Mary's Cathedral, where he was a radio announcer for the 8:30 a.m. Mass for several years.

A lot of Thomas L.'s experiences were shaped by growing up during the Depression. His work ethic, his love of life, his positive attitude and his belief that through God all things were possible shaped him into the man we all knew and loved.

Thomas L. wasn't afraid to embrace technology, either. He was a pilot, using his skills once again to help people, from transporting organs to helping children born prematurely that needed flights to hospitals, and picking up costumes for Notre Dame Regional High School plays that otherwise would have been late. In the late 1980s, he purchased a digital camera in order to make listings perspective clients could view from his office, saving them valuable time and money. His vision knew no bounds. His love of people and his altruistic viewpoint of life was best demonstrated in his "Live for others" attitude and actions.

Some of his professional achievements include bringing Procter & Gamble, Armstrong Cork, Dow Chemical and Wood & Huston Bank to the Cape Girardeau area. He, along with Al Zimmer, Harry Schmidt and Charles Drury, was instrumental in relocating and building Saint Francis Medical Center in 1975. His favorite story to tell was how the Franciscan Sisters spread holy medals all over the land in hopes they would be able to obtain the property for the future hospital, which they did.

Thomas L. also held many community leadership positions and memberships, including former Saint Francis Hospital board member and first secretary of trustees, charter member of the Cape Girardeau County Board of Realtors (1953), past Missouri Realtor state president (1968), past Missouri Realtor of the Year (1970), National Omega Tau Rho member, Southeast Missouri State University TKE adviser, Realtor Emeritus NAR, chairman of the board for Wood & Huston Bank, Knights of Columbus 4th Degree with Council No. 1111, St. Mary's Diocesan Development Fund chairman, Notre Dame Annunciation Award, city of Cape Girardeau Planning and Zoning chairman (1952), Cape Girardeau School Board president (1970), American Legion member, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce board member and Cape Girardeau Rotary Club member.

Despite all of his many accomplishments, Thomas L. will be remembered most for his deep faith in God, his love for Helen and his family and his desire to place others before himself. Thomas L. once wrote, "My loves: God, Helen and my children." Later, he would add grandchildren to that list. He was a servant-leader who sacrificed his time, talent and treasure for the benefit of his community and those in need. He would often ask, "What can I do for you?" to both friends and family. He was a man of great perseverance and determination in the face of adversity, and he leaned on God's strength to see him through everything. He believed in the sanctity of life and was a champion for the unborn. Above all, he was a man after God's own heart, and his legacy will continue in the lives of those he touched.

He is survived by one brother, Urban Meyer of Sarasota, Florida; and three sisters, Theresa Meyer, Laverne (Harry) Hinchey of St. Louis and Sister Frances Meyer of San Francisco. He also is survived by seven children, including two sons, Thomas M. (Mary) Meyer and David L. Meyer; five daughters, Mary Jean McIntyre, Debra J. Joyce, Beth (Alan) McFerron, Madonna (Ken) Boyd and Maranda Meyer; grandchildren, Chris Edmonds, Nick Meyer, Heather (Meyer) Philips, Jean Marie (Meyer) Boctor, Benjamin Joyce, Easton Meyer, Megan (Joyce) Harter, Thomas N. Meyer, Sara Boyd, Catherine Meyer, Kelbie Joyce and Tara Meyer; and 18 great-grandchildren, Devon Edmonds, Christen Edmonds, Brooklyn Sides, Britain Sides, Maicee Sides, Dalyia Sides, Gabriel Meyer, Hunter Gates, Haven Gates, Kaitlyn Joyce, Annabelle Joyce, Cammron Brand, Ciara Brand, Marlee Hall, Lucas King, Olivia Harter, Rami Boctor and Hattie Philips.

Thomas L. was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Hubert Meyer, Clete Meyer and Rupert Meyer; three sisters, Hildegard Meyer, Hedwig Meyer and Margaret Walker; and his daughter, Janice M. Meyer.

The family would like to extend its sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Maureen Simpkins for her love and tremendous care giving, and to Jessica, the Veterans Administration nurse practitioner.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Crain Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with a prayer service at 7 p.m., followed by a Knights of Columbus rosary.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the burial to follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Birthright, St. Mary's Grade School, St. Joseph Church in Apple Creek, St Vincent de Paul High School in Perryville, Notre Dame Regional High School and Southeast Hospice.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit www.crainsonline.com.