EDWARDS MEYER

1928 - 2021

MEYER General Edward C. Meyer "Shy" (Age 91) Former Chief of Staff of the US Army Passed peacefully at his home on October 13, 2020 in Arlington, VA surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness. He was born on December 28, 1928 to Edward and Cecilia Meyer in St Marys, PA. General Meyer attended the US Military Academy, where, among other things, he excelled at lacrosse, becoming All-American captain of the 1951 national championship team. After graduating from West Point in 1951, he served in the Korean War earning a Silver Star and Bronze Star. When he returned from Korean to teach at the Fort Benning Infantry School, he meet and soon married Carol McCunniff in 1954 beginning beautiful adventure that lasted 66 years. General Meyer's career included two tours in Vietnam where he earned a second Silver Star, a Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross. He moved on to various other commands, culminating in being promoted to Chief of Staff of the Army in 1979, becoming one of the youngest Army Chiefs in history. In this role, he focused on modernizing a force that had become depleted and demoralized in the years following Vietnam, coining the term "The Hollow Army". By the end of his four years tenure, he had restored the Army's capabilities, cohesiveness and its sense of mission with the question, "What can I do today for PFC Marne?" After he retired from the Army after 32 years of service, General Meyer served on corporate boards, advisory panels, and police think tanks. His over 20 year Presidency of the Army Emergency Relief embodied his commitment to serving all soldiers He loved his God, his family, his country and the US Army. General Meyer was an Eagle Scout. He loved playing golf, hunting and fly-fishing. General Meyer is survived by his wife, Carol Meyer; brother, James Meyer (Mary) of St. Marys, PA; children, Tom Meyer (Gretchen) of Ashville, NC, Tim Meyer (Lindsay), of McLean, VA., Doug Meyer (Barbara) of Marlborough, CT, Nancy Meyer (Michael) of Riverdale, NY and Stuart Meyer of Horsham, PA. He is also survived by grandchildren, Thomas, Christy, Lauren, Joshua, Caroline, Ethan, Mia; great grandchild, Kieran. He predeceased by parents; brothers, J. Karl Meyer (Eileen) and George Meyer; sister, Marylou Hayford (Warren) and Paula Robinson (Mark); and grandchild, Olivia Meyer. Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at the Fort Myer Memorial Chapel with the burial to follow at Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors.