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John Meyer Obituary
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MEYER, John E. age 79 of Xenia, Ohio and Manasota Key, Florida, passed away Tuesday, May 30, 2006 in Ft. Thomas, KY as the result of an aviation accident. He was preceded in death by his parents Wilma and Elmer Meyer, wife Betty Jo, and son John Meyer II. He is survived by his loving companion of many years, Ellie Mae Smith, devoted daughters, Patty Meyer Dorn (Mike) of Kettering, and Marcia Meyer O'Rourke, adoring grandson Tommy O'Rourke of Bellbrook, brother Marion "Bud" Meyer (Erma), sister Winona "Sug" Jones (Don), sister Sharon Landers (Rick), and Ellie's 3 caring daughters, Sandy Westfall, Dawn Sullivan, Cathy Micallef, their spouses and children. Also survived by many nieces and nephews and countless friends. Meyer was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and attended Holmes High School in Covington, Kentucky. Served in United States Naval Reserve, attended University of Kentucky in Lexington, where he had his first business ventures owning and operating an ice cream truck and selling Fuller Brushes door to door, and played baseball in the then "Class D minor leagues." Meyer worked for Pinkerton Detective Agency in 1949, then went on to sell home improvements in the Carolinas. Later he opened his own home improvement company. In 1953, he opened Johnny Meyer Motors in Park Hills, KY. He opened a second one, then a bowling alley in Covington in 1960, followed by an auction company. In 1963, he moved his family to Xenia to open John Meyer Volkswagen. He went on to open many more dealerships, eventually purchasing Eastgate Ford in Beavercreek in 1976 and successfully helping many of his employees in their own automobile dealerships. He sold Eastgate in 1996 to "retire", but in his own fashion. He continued with many real estate and business ventures, as well as owning a boat, airplane and car leasing company. His most recent endeavor was the purchase and renovation of Greene Country Club. An avid philanthropist, working with the Dayton Foundation, he created the John and Betty Jo Meyer Family Foundation, helping numerous people in pursuing their own business dreams. He also established a scholarship in memory of his son John II, at Xenia High School to help graduating students with special needs. Meyer was key to the development of the Greene County Community Youth Sports Fund. Some of the groups he was a member of include Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, Masonic Lodge #109, BPOE Lodge, Xenia, and Aviation Hall of Fame. He served on the boards of Greene County Auto Dealers Association, Greene County Country Club, Greene County Airport, Xenia National Bank Board, Society National Bank of the Miami Valley. Friends may call at the TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME- BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL, 3970 Dayton- Xenia Rd. at Grange Hall Rd. on Friday evening, June 2 from 5 PM until 9 PM. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday morning, June 3 at 10 AM with Pastor John Lockwood officiating. Interment burial will be in Woodland Cemetery of Xenia. Following the burial, a celebration of John's life will be held at Greene Country Club, 920 W Dayton Yellow Springs Road. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Meyer
Melody Daniels (Meyer)
June 9, 2006
My Uncle John was a tower of strength to many. You always found him with a smile on his face and usually a little joke to go along with it. He gave of himself to so many in need and never forgot where he came from. Uncle John, I love you and will miss you ever so much. I know you are with other loved ones that have gone on before you and that gives me some peace. I will see you agian someday... I love you.......
JOHNNY MEYER AT HOLMES 60TH REUNION JUNE 2005
Mary Ann Unkraut
June 9, 2006
John attended most of the reunions of Holmes High School, Class of 1945 with his smiling, friendly, handsome appearance. Everyone liked him and enjoyed being around him. He sparked up our get-togethers and he liked to dance and I was lucky enough to get to dance with him. He attended the 60th Reunion on June 4 and 5, 2005 and I am attaching a photo taken then. You can see his personality in this photo. We will miss him but will always remember him with a smile on his face and a song in his heart.
Sadly missed by
Mary Ann Unkraut, Classmate
Winona "Sug" Meyer-Jones
June 8, 2006
JOHN E. MEYER..THE ULTIMATE BROTHER, from an adoring sister, Winona "Sug" Meyer Jones.
John exemplified the "American Dream" he started with nothing and amassed a fortune. You wouldn't see his name in the Society pages, he really didn't dig it. But his name is written on all of our hearts that were blessed to have him in our lives.
When we were children we didn't have many luxuries (but who did in that period), but we had JOHN! He was the game player Pied Piper. He made up more games that you can think of, and he always won. It was his game, his rules! Ha (lovingly a joke). I could name hundereds of illistrations to bore you, but John thought LIFE was a game and he played to win, and he did! He always saw the positive side of things, and didn't dwell on the negative of any issue, business, friends or family.
If we could capture the essence of this man, and make the formula and put it in a bottle, we could all become millionaires.
The "light" of our family was extinquished May 30. But I am sure we sill someday again soar with him in heaven.
He would not want us to spend time mourning his loss, but to get on with the game of life. We will try, but it will be hard without him. Love you bunches, John
Marion (Bud) Meyer
June 8, 2006
John: I think I knew you longer and better than any living person The first time I saw you it is hard for me to rember after all I was only eighteen mounths old and you were my little brother.I love you and miss you. Bud
Carl & Molly Faith
June 3, 2006
John was a valued member of the Holmes High School Class of 1945, and played on the championship football team, along with Stan Brennan, Don Jones, and Barry O'Grady, but I remember him best in Ms. Lillian Rasch's French class in his junior and senior years as we struggled with the French vowels. John was one of the handsomest men in our class--you might say "Tall, Dark and Handsome."
To his wife, Ellie, whom my wife, Molly, and I met at the 60th Anniversary Reunion of our class on the Mark Twain river boat on the Ohio June 4, 2005, and to his family, we offer my deep condolences.
Carl Faith (and Molly Sullivan)
Forest Williams
June 3, 2006
In the decades since John and I were classmates at Holmes High School and the University of Kentucky, we spoke only briefly at the few reunions I attended, and we never got around to talking about anything very serious. So my reading, in the past few days, the published record of his accomplishments and good deeds has been impressive news. It has significantly increased the pride I feel for my affinity with the Class of 1945, Holmes High School, the State of Kentucky, and most certainly with John. May the spirit of his greatness live on.
R. T. and Judy Sheeler
June 3, 2006
Marsha, Patti and Ellie: John was such a bigger than life person; always with a ready smile and hearty laugh. We will miss him and the hospitality and fun-filled times he always extended to us over the years both at Lake Cumberland and his home in Florida. We surely think he died to save the life of others who were playing in that field where he was forced to land. May God bless all his family, loved ones, and friends like us who are filled with such grief at this sad time.
JOHN AND ELLIE AT HOLMES REUNION JUNE 2005
FRANK DUFF
June 3, 2006
THE CLASS OF 1945 - HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL, COVINGTON, KENTUCKY WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY IN THE LOSS OF OUR DEAR CLASSMATE AND FRIEND, JOHN MEYER. HE ATTENDED EVERY REUNION AND ALWAYS HAD A SMILE FOR EVERYONE. HE ATTENDED THE LAST REUNION WE HAD ON JUNE 4 AND 5, 2005. EVEN THOUGH HE WAS A BUSY MAN HE ALWAYS FOUND TIME TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH HIS FRIENDS. WE WILL ALL MISS HIM AND WISH TO EXPRESS OUR SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.
FRANK DUFF AND JIM COBB
CO-CHAIRMEN OF THE CLASS OF 1945
HOLMES HIGH SCHOOL
Ronald McCabe
June 2, 2006
So sorry we can't be there with you (I am still in FL). May God get you through this trying time.
Ron McCabe & Lydia Wasson
Burnside Marina, Dock One
Howard Monk
June 2, 2006
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Larry, Florence and children Randall
June 2, 2006
John had a zest for life and a "good deal" like no one we have ever met. A gentleman and a natural leader. He will be sorrily missed by all of us. Our sincerest sympathies go out to Marcia, Patty, Tommy and Elli.
BOTEWERKS LLC dba Fantasy Yachts
June 2, 2006
John Meyer was an avid boater, successful entrepreneur, friend and supporter to all who knew him. He will be sadly missed by all of us here at BOTEWERKS LLC.
Joe Winslow
June 2, 2006
John allowed me a start in the car business many years ago. Although I didn't stay in it, he was instrumental in teaching me valuable skills in the world of business. His family are in my thoughts and prayers.
ED & JEANNE KIMMEL
June 2, 2006
A SPECIAL MAN WHOSE FRIENDSHIP, GENEROSITY, WIT AND KEEN MIND MADE IT A PLEASURE TO BE IN HIS COMPANY.
I SUGGEST, HIS LIFE WOULD MAKE A BEST SELLER. HE WILL BE MISSED.
ED & JEANNE KIMMEL, CAPE HAZE, FL.
Jen Marsh
June 2, 2006
Though I knew Mr. Meyer for such a short time I feel very honored to have worked for such a kind, generous and thoughtful man. He made each person he met feel valued and special.
Jen Marsh
Greene CC
George & Linda Turner
June 2, 2006
Our Deepest Sympathy to your family. Marsha is one of our dearest friends and ex-neighbor. John was not only a good father but a man who was very kind and friendly to even strangers. We know that he will be forever missed.
Jack and Rita Forbes
June 2, 2006
John Meyer accomplished a great deal for the good of the automobile sales and service industry in Dayton.
Our hearts go out to his family.
Joe Eisenhauer
June 1, 2006
Marcia, Patty & Ellie,
Please accept our deepest condolences. We loved the time we spent living next door to Johnny. He was such a delightful and giving person. A joyful friend who will be sorely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe and Cheryl Eisenhauer
Dick Eisenhauer
Sherie Bishop
June 1, 2006
Thinking of you at this time of sorrow, and hoping you will find comfort in warm memories of your loved one.
Ben Stewart
June 1, 2006
John was a true Gentleman and will be greatly missed by all of us here at Greene Country Club. Our community has lost a fine man. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of true sadness.
Penny Wylie
June 1, 2006
Awesome man he was and our family is deeply saddened by your loss. My grandfather worked for John years ago and always thought the world of him.
Barry Bradfield
June 1, 2006
I believe there are a lot of successful people that benefitted from his influence and guidance.My prayers go out to the family in this trying time,
Rick and Mary Penwell
June 1, 2006
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. What a sad loss for all of us who had the honor and privilege of knowing John as a friend.
John ...May you forever soar with the eagles and may the angels take you under their wings.....Rest in peace and God Bless
Brian Knapp
June 1, 2006
Dave Penrod and I had gone to cumberland lake to close a trailer down for the winter. It was late fall there when we ran in to John.I had never met him before. He invited us onto his house boat to watch the Bengals game. He was an extremely generous man!
Susan McPherson
June 1, 2006
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Ed Hiestand
June 1, 2006
John helped my brother-in-law, Dave Dennis, get a good start in the car business. Today that start extends to Jason Dennis, who follows as a successful car dealer. John financed the facility in Wilmington where Dave started. John had a beautiful Century inboard boat I wish I had bought from him. Thanks to John, my sister Linda enjoys financial security today!
John Kennebeck
June 1, 2006
Patty, Marcia and Tommy, Please accept out deepest sympathy on the loss of your father and grandfather. We will also miss him deeply. He was a great friend.
Please remember you will always be in our prayers.
He is with the angels now.
May God hold him in his arms as he leads him through the gates of Heaven.
The Kennebecks
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