VERNON MEYR

ALTENBURG -- Vernon R. Meyr, 78, of Altenburg died Monday, April 24, 2000, at the Lutheran Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 3, 1921, in Detroit, Mich., son of Rudolph J. and Hattie J. Schmidt Meyr.

Meyr was a 1940 graduate and valedictorian of Perryville High School. He received a bachelor of science degree in general studies from Southeast Missouri State University May 8, 1983, (setting a record 43 years to get a degree). He received a bachelor of arts degree in history May 5, 1990, and a master's degree in January 2000. He had three papers published by Southeast University.

He was employed at Bank of Altenburg from 1940-86, and served as chairman of the board of directors several years following retirement.

Meyr was actively involved in historic preservation of Saxon Lutheran Heritage of East Perry County, serving as treasurer of Perry County Lutheran Historical Society Inc. many years.

He was active in various historical societies such as secretary of River Heritage Association and Perry County Tourism Commission. The historical societies have been prominent in promoting tourism to the area.

Meyr was president of Perry County Park and Recreation Board since its founding many years ago. He served as publicity chairman for East Perry Community Fair many years and originated the slogan "Best Little Fair in the Land."

He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg, of which he was president 12 years, and served in other offices and on committees. He was organist and choir director 20 years, president of Trinity Young Peoples Society eight years, and member of Southern Illinois Chapter of American Guild of Organists in Carbondale.

Meyr served in various offices and on committees of the Altenburg Zone of the Walther League, and was elected president of the Missouri District of the Walther League from 1961-63. He also served 13 years on the State of Missouri Executive Board.

He was a member of Altenburg Lions Club and was governor of District 26-D 1988-89. He was elected chairman of the 11-member Council of Governors for the State of Missouri and was made head Lion in the state for a year.

Meyr served as regional director of the Lions Sight and Hearing Center in Memphis, Tenn. He attended the International Lions Convention in St. Louis, then flew to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, for the International Lutheran Laymen League Convention and Klondike Days.

He was a member of Jackson Men's Garden Club, held membership in the Cape Girardeau Arts Council, and worked many years with Cape Girardeau Community Concert Association.

Meyr had great interest in music, drama, painting, photography, and loved to travel. His travels included several countries in Europe. He visited Altenburg in East Germany in 1972 and 1987, and had been to the Middle East and Far East.

Survivors include cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Altenburg. The Rev. Alhert J.C. Strand will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Young and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Perry County Lutheran Historical Society of Altenburg, or Trinity Lutheran Choral Fund in Altenburg.