Melvin Joseph Meyers

Melvin Joseph Meyers, Jr. peacefully passed away on July 5, 2015 at 82 years old. He was surrounded by his loving family. Mel was born on March 25, 1933 in Bunkie, LA. He graduated from Opelousas High School in 1952, where he was the Championship Boxing Team Captain. Melvin served in the United States Navy from 1952-1956. He served on a special unit squadron for two years flying out of Clark Air Field in Manilla, Philippines. Melvin was stationed at the Naval Air Station in Coronado, CA where he met Sally Ann Jones. They were married in Coronado on May 12, 1956. They then moved to Louisiana where Mel graduated from LSU with a B.A. in General Studies prior to entering LSU and Loyola Law Schools. While attending LSU, Melvin and Sally were Assistant Directors of the Acadian Club. They lived and worked there for 6 ½ years where they were supervisors of the youth program for 9th-12th graders. He then became the Youth Director at First United Methodist church for 7th-12th graders for 2 years. Mel held a variety of jobs in state government since 1965, including Coordinator for the Baton Rouge District Advisory Committee of the Statewide Planning for Vocational Rehabilitation Services. He also served two four-year terms as Assistant Secretary of the Office of Human Development. Then in 1986 Mel was appointed Undersecretary of the Department of Health and Human Resources by Governor Edwin Edwards. After state retirement, he developed and implemented various programs that helped foster care children, disabled, disadvantaged and homeless youth and adults to achieve independence. In 1984 Mel was the Commencement Speaker at Louisiana Tech University. He was a member of First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He also served on various boards during his career including the Audubon Girl Scout Council Board, the Baylor University School of Medicine Head Injury Board, and work related boards. Melvin had a love for cooking for his family and friends. If he knew you were coming over he was in the kitchen preparing your favorite meal. He loved spending time with his family at the beach, in New Orleans, sailing, and travelling. He loved gardening, growing Japanese Bonsai trees, playing tennis, and playing volleyball on the Navy team. His favorite thing was being at home with his family. He was preceded in death by his mother Adelienne Marcotte Meyers, his father Melvin Meyers, Sr., his brothers infant Marion Meyers, George Dufour, Warren Dufour, Hillary Meyers, Vezie Meyers, Eldrige Meyers, and sister Jean Myers. He is survived by his wife Sally Jones Meyers in their 60th year of marriage; their children Dartha Meyers of Livingston, MT, Mark Meyers, Holly Meyers Vidrine and husband Danny of Baton Rouge, LA, Melanie Meyers Freel and husband Rob of Birmingham, AL; grandchildren Amelia Vidrine Lapeyrouse and husband Jeremy, Natalie Vidrine, Samuel Meyers, Connor and Robbie Freel; great grandchild Henry Lapeyrouse; his brothers Gerald Meyers, Wilson Meyers, and Wilbert Meyers. The family would like to express their gratitude to his doctor and friend of many years, Dr. Gerald Barber. They would also like to thank the caring and dedicated staff of The Hospice of Baton Rouge and Dr. DeJesus. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church Youth Department or The Hospice of Baton Rouge. Visitation will be at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government Street, Wednesday, July 8, 2015 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Visitation continues at First United Methodist Church, 930 North Boulevard, Thursday, July 9, 2015 from 9:30 a.m. until services at 11:00 a.m., conducted by Rev. Brady Whitton and Rev. Chris Andrews. Interment will follow in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Pallbearers will be Rob Freel, Michael Cook, Jeremy Lapeyrouse, Mark Meyers, Samuel Meyers, Shelby McKenzie, Robert Royer, and Danny Vidrine.