Beloved husband of Ruth Meyer (nee Wieland); dearest father of Todd (Debbie) Meyer, Tim Meyer and Amy (Dan) Schumacher; loving grandfather of Andrew, Lindsay & Jack, Rebecca, Ian & Louis and Hannah & Jacob; dear step-grandfather of Lauren (Josh), Brooke (Shad) & Elliott (Stacey); our dear uncle, cousin, great grandfather and friend to many.
John was born in St. Louis, Missouri on August 6, 1934 to Otto and Anna Meyer. He grew up in south St. Louis and attended Roosevelt High School where he was senior class president. After high school he attended Ranken Technical College, receiving a machinist certification. Following his time at Ranken, he began taking classes at Washington University in St. Louis. While attending Wash U, he taught welding and heat treatment for three years in the Mechanical Engineering Department. He graduated in 1961 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. After graduation, John joined Nooter Corporation where he worked for 39 years. He rose through the ranks becoming chief welding engineer, plant manager and finally Vice President of Operations as well as serving on the Board of Directors. He was widely recognized as an imaginative engineer in the application of different welding processes and held patents on unique welding methods. In 1998 he was granted Fellow status in the American Welding Society, it highest honor. He retired from Nooter Corporation in 1999.
He married his long time love, Ruth, in 1960. Their story was a beautiful example of marriage and commitment. Last June they celebrated their 60th anniversary. He and Ruth enjoyed traveling throughout the world but his favorite trips were to Cardinal's Spring Training and the annual trips to Hilton Head Island with his children and grandchildren. In addition to travel, John enjoyed woodworking, hunting, reading, and dining with friends. His greatest joy, however, was spending time with family and hosting holiday and milestone celebrations.
Private Services for family and close friends will be held, Wednesday, January 20th Visitation from 10:00 am until time of service at 11:00 am at Webster Groves Presbyterian Church, 45 W. Lockwood Ave.; Webster Groves, MO 63119. Interment at St. Paul Churchyard.
If desired, donations in John’s name may be made to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.
