Ernest Melvin Meyer

Ernest "Ernie" Melvin Meyer, age 86, a longtime resident of Chewelah, WA passed away on February 13, 2026 in Spokane, WA. Ernie was born on February 3, 1940 in the Burnt Valley area of Chewelah, WA, the son of Otto August and Iva Gillian (Rhoads) Meyer.

Ernie was raised and attended school in Chewelah, where he graduated from Jenkins High School. He was an accomplished athlete and excelled in basketball, football, and track. Ernie received a scholarship from Washington State University to play football his freshman year of college, and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He initially served as a radar technician, later serving overseas on location in the Bay of Pigs. He then served for three tours as part of the Navy's land and sea search and rescue team in Vietnam. After that, Ernie returned stateside where his service focused on avionics maintenance. He rose steadily in rank and responsibility from an E-3 to an E-8. In 1973, Ernie relocated to Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to be closer to his extended family and hometown. He retired from the military in 1983 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, and then continued supporting the Navy as a civil servant for the next 17 years. He retired a second and final time in 2000.

While stationed at Naval Air Station Argentia in Canada, he met Mary Jeanette "Jan" Fitzgerald. They exchanged vows on June 24, 1961 in St. John's, Newfoundland. Jan accompanied Ernie throughout his career and together they raised three children: Donna, Jeff, and Scott. In September of 2017, Ernie and Jan moved to Chewelah to enjoy their retirement years in his beloved hometown. Jan preceded him in passing on December 8, 2021.

Ernie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed many camping adventures with his family and friends. Ernie had a love for trout fishing and enjoyed deer and elk hunting, especially in his later years with daughter Donna, son Jeff, and grandson Sean. As a father, he was a stern but fair parent who took an active role in all of his children's lives. He helped coach his children in their athletic endeavors and was a devoted husband. Throughout his career, he was known as a jokester and for his ability to one-up in the art of pranking, earning the nickname of "Dirty Ern." As he entered retirement, his cantankerousness mellowed and he became a kindly father figure to many. Ernie treasured his morning cup of coffee on his porch while watching sunrises, airport activity, and local wildlife, and sharing visits with friends and family.

He was an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2047, American Legion Post 54, Fleet Reserve Association, and US Navy Chief Petty Officers Association.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Iva Meyer; his siblings Donald "Don" Meyer, Marion "Gene" Stark, Wallace "Duke" Meyer, Verla "Maxine" Brauner, Richard "Dick" Meyer, Archie "Roy" Meyer, and Ray "Pete" Meyer.

Ernie is survived by his 3 children, Donna Meyer of Chewelah, WA, Jeffery Meyer and wife Joan of Anacortes, WA, Scott Meyer of Seattle, WA; grandchildren Kimberly Meyer of Portland, OR and Sean Meyer of Boise, ID; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins

A graveside service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at the Chewelah Memorial Park Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at the American Legion Post 54 in Chewelah immediately following the graveside service. All are welcome. Memorial contributions may be given to the American Legion Post 54, P.O. Box 84, Chewelah, WA 99109. Please visit the online memorial and sign the guestbook at www.danekasfuneralchapel.com. Danekas Funeral Chapel and Crematory is entrusted with the arrangements.