Frederick James Meyer

Frederick James Meyer of Cottleville, MO passed away on December 14, 2025 while in his beloved Calhoun County, IL. He was affectionately known as Fred, Zombie Grandpa, Fast Freddy, Freddy Boy, James, Spudrow, Wildman, Fredro, and Papa with Shelby.

He was born in Carrollton, IL on November 7, 1958, the youngest boy of nine children. Growing up on a farm, he learned to work hard and developed a deep love for nature. He attended Calhoun High School where he was voted prom king and graduated as valedictorian in 1976. It was during his youth that he established many life-long friendships, perfected his air guitar skills, and honed his comedic charm. He talked about that 1969 Torino throughout his life.

In true Fred fashion, he studied as hard as he partied, and graduated from Southern Illinois University- Edwardsville with a Bachelors in Accounting. He determinedly grew his career, retiring from Office Essentials as CFO in 2022. His past coworkers are more often referred to as his friends.

After retirement, he could rarely be found at home. He overcame his fear of water, tested his fear of heights, and fearlessly found the love of his life, Teresa. Always together, they embraced each other’s families with genuine enthusiasm and made every moment count.

He travelled extensively, taking time to admire the view. He went to concerts, always exploring new music. He answered the phone for Joe’s Pizza. He played with his grandchildren and great-nieces and nephews. He rode his bike for thousands of miles. He hunted deer, antelope, and mushrooms. He would call to sing you Happy Birthday every year. He hiked. He rooted for the Cardinals, Blues, #12 Ryan Blaney, and the Red Dragons. He never stopped learning. He drove Ford trucks and a Mustang. He ate and cooked great food. He made a lot of lists.

He made everyone around him laugh, was everyone’s best friend, and always made time for those he loved. If there is any winning in life, he won.

Fred is survived by his fiancée Teresa Martin of Cottleville, MO; his two daughters Katy (Robbie) Serfling of Villa Ridge, MO and Lindsay (Christopher Melton) Meyer of St. Louis, MO; and his two grandsons, of whom he was immensely proud, Dexter and Max Serfling.

He is also survived by his siblings John (Luretta) Meyer of Brighton, IL, Mary Gerecke of Bunker Hill, IL, Martha (Rick Demers) Meyer of Merritt Island, FL, Virginia (Gary) Heichelbech of St. Peters, MO, Joann (Carl) Kiel of Brussels, IL, and Carolyn Dahlen of Edina, MN; his goddaughters Carrie (Nathan) Heineman of Elsah, IL and Renee (Josh) Kinder of Grafton, IL; and more nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends than anyone can count.

He is preceded in death by his parents Walter C. Meyer and Vera “Mammy Jo” Vetter; a sister Margaret Ann Meyer and a brother Walter “Jerry” Meyer; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, a brother-in-law, and friends.

A memorial visitation in honor of Fred’s life will be held on Friday, December 19, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at Baue Funeral Home- Cave Springs.

Memorials may be made in Fred's name to the Missouri Conservation Heritage Foundation.