Ronald R. Meyer

Ronald Richard "Papa" Meyer, 89, a resident of Naples, Florida, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 8, 2025. Honoring his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will take place in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa on Sunday, November 16th from 1-4 pm at "Jane's Place" - CASI 1035 West Kimberly Rd., Davenport, Iowa 52806. A private burial will take place at a later date with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his name to Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, 4130 Northwest Blvd., Davenport, IA 52806, or CASI – The Center for Active Seniors, Inc., 1035 West Kimberly Rd., Davenport, IA 52806.

Ronald was born on February 5, 1936, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Vernond and Alice (Moody) Meyer. He married Rosemary "Nanny" Sampson on April 12, 1958, at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church in Davenport. They were married for 53 years and raised their 4 children in Bettendorf, Iowa.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country from 1953 to 1957 aboard the USS Pittsburgh (CA-135), achieving the rank of GM#9. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal from the National Defense during the Goodwill Mission Indian Ocean Cruise, which took him through the Panama Canal and to destinations such as Yokosuka, Japan; Hong Kong, China; and the Tachen Islands.

After returning from military service, Ron worked for Service Rubber and spent some time as a carpenter before joining Fresh Pak/Lusk Candy Co., a custom candy repacking company, where he worked from 1959 to 1983. From 1984 to 1996 he commuted to work for Shari Candy Co. based in Mankato, Minnesota. Ron was a proud member of the U.S. Navy Cruiser Sailors Association, the American Legion, the Elks Club and Moose Lodge.

Ron was known as the "Candy Man" around his hometown. He often carried a bag of candy with him, handing it out to folks no matter the occasion. Whether it was a special event or just an ordinary day, he always had a little bit of candy nearby, ready to share a smile and a sweet treat.

Ron loved fishing and frequently went on charter fishing trips with his three sons, grandsons, and fishing buddy, Pat Keller. He enjoyed building birdhouses that Rosemary would lovingly paint, and he took pride in restoring antique furniture or fixing up items his son Vern would bring home. He was a Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed going to many games with his sons.

Following the passing of his beloved wife, Rosemary, in 2011, Ron moved to Eldridge for a short time, where he lovingly helped care for his grandchildren after school. He treasured those afternoons, often sharing a Klondike bar or an ice cream drumstick with them.

Drawn to where the beach meets the sky, Ron eventually relocated to Naples, Florida. There he found peace in the rhythm of the waves and the warmth of the sun on his face, trading his worries for the serenity of coastal life. In Naples, he met his special friend and fiancée, Barbara Stevens, with whom he shared companionship and joy in his later years.

He cherished spending time with his nephew, Victor Batten, who enjoyed helping fix things around Ron and Barbara's home. One of his guilty pleasures was having Barbara's daughter, Mary, bring him "Snackin' Bacon" from Dunkin' Donuts for breakfast.

Ron always looked forward to family visiting him in Florida. Many memories were made with golf cart rides, miniature golf, swimming, and card games. He was grateful for the love of his grandchildren, and was especially appreciative of Morgan, who was able to serve as his caregiver and nurse during some of his final months.

Ron always ended his phone calls with, "Call me if you need anything." Well Ron, Dad, Papa, rest easy now. You're probably up in heaven, "rattlin' up some tin cans" with your loved ones and friends.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Mary (Robert) Wilson of Davenport, Iowa; sons Robert (Renae) Meyer of Davenport, Iowa/Punta Gorda, Florida, Steven (Debbie) Meyer of Park View, Iowa, and Vern (Kelli) Meyer of Davenport, Iowa; 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Shirley Burns of Bonita Springs, Florida; and his special friend and fiancée, Barbara Stevens.

He was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Vernond and Alice Meyer, his wife, Rosemary, sister Darleen, great-grandchild Henry Robert Jones, and several cherished family members and friends who went before him.