Richard A. “Dick” Meyer, Colonel, US Air Force (Retired), 85, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026, in Belleville, IL. He was born on January 11, 1941, in The Bronx, New York, the younger son of Henry and Alice, nee Bollinger, Meyer. He was baptized in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, and confirmed at Our Savior Lutheran Church in The Bronx.
Dick attended public schools in New York City and worked part time at the Bronx Zoo during high school. He graduated from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio in 1962 with a BS Degree in Business Administration. At graduation, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the US Air Force through the Capital Air Force ROTC program and began active-duty service shortly thereafter. Dick then served 28 years as a Transportation Officer in California, Greenland, England, Vietnam, Delaware, Maryland, Texas, Headquarters, US Air Force, Georgia and Illinois. He was also an Air Force ROTC instructor in Newark, New Jersey. Most of his work involved aerial port operations, management, manpower, and equipment. During his service, he was awarded the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medals, Bronze Star, and Commendation Medal, as well as others.
After retiring in 1990 in Belleville, he worked in Quality, Compliance and Training for Slay Industries, a St. Louis - based transportation and distribution company, finally retiring in 2010. Dick was an active member of Zion Lutheran Church in Belleville, serving in stewardship and Usher leadership roles. He also served his Church in various roles wherever he was stationed. He loved trains of all sizes, riding them throughout the US and Canada. He also had a large model train layout in his basement. Most of all, he loved cheering on his grandchildren in sports, music and dance.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Donald Meyer; and two sisters-in-law, Anne Meyer and Christine Fennessey.
He is survived by the love of his life and best friend of 57 years, Peggy Meyer; two daughters, Diane (Phil) Ruffus of Maryland Heights, MO, and Linda (Andy) Douglas of Quincy, IL; five grandchildren, Elizabeth and Luke Ruffus, Landon, Harper and Sloan Douglas; a sister-in-law, Barbara Evernham of Long Island, NY; and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Dick loved his God, his family and his country, and worked hard throughout his life to serve them all. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21)
Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church Endowment Fund. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, with Rev. Chris Spelbring officiating.
Burial with military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.