Eugene Ferdinand Meyer, Jr. 86 died Wednesday, March 30, 2011 in Cox South Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Springfield, born February 14, 1925 the son of Helen and Eugene F. Meyer, Sr. He attended the University of Arizona where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bob Meyer and nephew, Matt Myer. In 1961, he was united in marriage to Spencer Ann Brown of Lee's Summit, Missouri who survives him as well as his three children, Murray Meyer Beairsto and husband, Doug and their children, Ben and Macie; Mary Spencer Craven and husband, Corey and their daughters, Charlie and Chandler; Thomas O'Dowd Meyer and wife, Christi and their daughters, Kiersten and Tatum. He is survived by two brothers, Dick Meyer of Springfield and David Meyer of Bushnell, Florida; sister-in-law, Pat Meyer of Springfield; brother and sister-in-laws, Sharon and Warren Brown of Lake Quivera, Kansas and many nieces and nephews. Gene worked for Springfield tablet and was owner of MAKO Brokerage, Inc. until his retirement in 1992. Gene's proudest accomplishment was his family who knew him as Dad and Paw-Paw. He served many years as a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. For many years Gene was involved with the Scouting program and was a James E. West member. In 1956 as Scoutmaster of Troop 10 sponsored by St. Agnes Cathedral, he led three dozen Boy Scouts ages 11-14 years old on a 30 mile hike to Camp Arrowhead. It was the first time a Missouri troop had made such a hike and a national award was given. In 2006 a reunion was held to recognize the hike and the positive impact he had on his young scouts and the credit they gave to his shaping influence in their lives. He approached his leadership with organization, motivation, discipline, inspiration and respect. Five of his scouts, later became Eagle Scouts and led St. Agnes High School to the 1959 state basketball championship. In 1963 he was honored by Bishop John Helmsling for his contribution to the church and scouting. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, April 2, 2011 in Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 E. Bennett with Fr. Fergus Monaghan celebrant and Msgr. Thomas Reidy con-celebrant under the care of Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 1, 2011 from 4 to 6 PM in the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Ozark Trail Council, BSA, 1616 S. Eastgage, Springfield, Missouri 65809. A special thanks to doctors Morgan, Godwin and Quinn, Josh Trinkle, PA, and Erica Hill, R.N., BSN for the compassion and care given during his illness.
