Harold "Hal" Donar Meyer, a father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many, died peacefully. He was born April 3, 1935, in San Francisco, California, to Pauline (Whitehead) Siler and Heinrich "Harry" Meyer.
Harold's childhood was defined by hardship and resilience. His mother passed away in 1939, and he was raised by his grandmother as his immigrant father served as a merchant sailor during World War II. His grandmother, who he loved dearly, Margaret "Georgia" nee Turner, died in 1946. After Georgia's passing in 1946, Harold found himself orphaned and spent time at McKinley Home for Boys.
At 17, Harold faced a turning point when he was arrested for stealing a car. Given a stark choice by the judge—jail or the Navy—he chose the Navy and began a path of rebuilding and purpose.
While stationed in Long Beach, California, Harold met Carol McDermott. They married in 1956. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he pursued an electrical engineering degree at Long Beach City College.
Together, Harold and Carol had three children: Linda Pauline (Austin, Texas); Catherine Ann (Richmond, Indiana); and Ronald Richard "JoJo" (Richmond, Indiana). In 1967, Harold married Sarah Johnson, and they welcomed two daughters, Melissa Kaye and Sandra Elaine, both of whom predeceased him. In 1977, he married Cherie Arceneaux, and they had a son, Destin Robert Meyer (Atlanta, Georgia). Beyond his immediate family, Harold had a large network of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides his two daughters, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Linda Habenicht in 2014 and Barbara Jean Shelhart in 2024.
He loved working on cars, boating, and fishing, and spent his final years living on the bay in Mobile, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to programs that support veterans.
Harold Donar Meyer will be remembered for his resilience and strength. May he rest in peace.
Harold's childhood was defined by hardship and resilience. His mother passed away in 1939, and he was raised by his grandmother as his immigrant father served as a merchant sailor during World War II. His grandmother, who he loved dearly, Margaret "Georgia" nee Turner, died in 1946. After Georgia's passing in 1946, Harold found himself orphaned and spent time at McKinley Home for Boys.
At 17, Harold faced a turning point when he was arrested for stealing a car. Given a stark choice by the judge—jail or the Navy—he chose the Navy and began a path of rebuilding and purpose.
While stationed in Long Beach, California, Harold met Carol McDermott. They married in 1956. After an honorable discharge from the Navy, he pursued an electrical engineering degree at Long Beach City College.
Together, Harold and Carol had three children: Linda Pauline (Austin, Texas); Catherine Ann (Richmond, Indiana); and Ronald Richard "JoJo" (Richmond, Indiana). In 1967, Harold married Sarah Johnson, and they welcomed two daughters, Melissa Kaye and Sandra Elaine, both of whom predeceased him. In 1977, he married Cherie Arceneaux, and they had a son, Destin Robert Meyer (Atlanta, Georgia). Beyond his immediate family, Harold had a large network of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Besides his two daughters, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Linda Habenicht in 2014 and Barbara Jean Shelhart in 2024.
He loved working on cars, boating, and fishing, and spent his final years living on the bay in Mobile, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to programs that support veterans.
Harold Donar Meyer will be remembered for his resilience and strength. May he rest in peace.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold Donar Meyer, please visit our flower store.
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