Richard Keith Meyer

To join the livestream broadcast of Richard's funeral service, please select the link below. The livestream will begin at 9:55 A.M. Wednesday morning, April 3, 2024. The service will also be archived and available for viewing for 90 days following the service. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxMTkxMjc0NjMwMjU1NSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Richard Keith Meyer, age 81 years, a resident of Vienna, peacefully went to sleep and awoke in the arms of Jesus, on Friday morning, March 29, 2024. Richard was born March 16, 1943 in Eldorado, Illinois. He was the son of Emil J. and Anna Mae (Porter) Meyer. Richard was united in marriage to Anita Y. Montgomery in 1965. She survives. In addition to his beloved wife, Richard is survived by; his family – Tracey (Debra) Meyer of Cypress and their family – Ashley (Joe) Henderson and children – Joseph, Micheal, John and Justin - and Dylan Meyer; Nicole (Ronnie) Rains of Carterville and family – Alecia (Zech) Perruquet and children – Hayliee, Caide, Ensley, Kash and Kace - and Erica (Hunter Reynolds) Mathis; a brother – Fred (Trisha) Meyer of Vienna; a sister-in-law – Donna Meyer of Carrier Mills; a brother-in-law – Mason (Charlotte) Montgomery of Cypress; a god daughter – Sherri (Roger) Rich of Carterville; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by a brother, Jerry Meyer. Richard attended grade school and his first two years of high school in Ridgway, Illinois. Then, when the family moved to Johnson County, Richard completed his junior and senior years at Vienna High School, graduating in 1961. He also attended the Southern Illinois University-College of Technical Careers and received certification in machine tool and die. Richard proudly served for 6 years in the Illinois National Guard. Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He loved the land and farming. He was employed for a time by the Illinois Department of Corrections at the Vienna Correctional Center. Later, he began his career as a highway maintainer for the Illinois Department of Transportation and was employed for 13 ½ years, prior to his retirement. Richard enjoyed many activities through the years, including competing in tractor pull events. He is fondly remembered for his love of restoring and showing classic muscle cars, especially his 1957 and 1962 Chevy’s. Richard’s training permitted him to custom fabricate parts for his vehicles. He also was well known around the region’s car show circuit and won many awards through the years. Richard was a member of Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M. He was also a member of the Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine - Ainad Temple. During the family’s residency in Gallatin County, they worshipped at New Hope Baptist Church in Ridgway. Richard accepted Christ as his Savior at New Hope Church at the age of 11 and was baptized in a local creek. Locally, the family affiliated with First Baptist Church in Vienna. Richard enjoyed music and participated in the bass section of the church choir. He admired the music skills of renowned Southern Gospel bass singer, J.D. Sumner. A funeral service honoring the life of Richard Meyer will be conducted Wednesday morning, April 3, 2024, at 10 A.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Brian Lingle will officiate with a eulogy to be given by Mr. Rodney Gholson. Burial will be in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Military honors will accorded. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, April 2, 2024, from 5 P.M. to 8 P.M. at the funeral home. Masonic rites will be accorded at 8 P.M. Tuesday evening by Vienna Masonic Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M. Memorials may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, 4400 Clayton Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110. Serving as pallbearers – Dylan Meyer, Derek Meyer, Kent Meyer, Collin Meyer, Sam Goddard, and Bart Mighell.

Richard Keith Meyer

March 16, 1943 - March 29, 2024