Edward Meyers Jr.

When Ed Meyers gave his word, it was etched in a foundation of integrity, honor, and respect. A kind and gentle man, he didn't beat around the bush about what he expected from others, and never expected more than what he was also capable of doing. He was talented, knowledgeable and used his skills to the best of his ability. Foremost, Ed loved his family beyond compare. Dearly missed, he will be fondly remembered. With the crash of the stock market in 1929, the Great Depression spread throughout America and by 1931, difficult days created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Even so, Americans continued to be optimistic and looked towards the future. In the city of Muskegon, Michigan, Edward Sr. and Violet May (Blackmer) Meyers found reason to celebrate with the December 18, 1931 birth of their son, Edward Meyers Jr., born in the comfort of home. Raised in Fruitport, young Edward's parents were hardworking farmers. His mother also balanced their home and seven children. He grew up alongside his siblings, older sister, Ruth, and was later joined by Raymond, Peggy, Cliff, Bob, and Dick. Although Edward and his siblings worked hard on the farm, they found time for play. Many special childhood times in the sandlot playing baseball always brought fond memories. When Edward was young, he so wanted to play football, but his father wouldn't let him. Later, when the opportunity presented itself, he finally played. But when he broke his nose, his father wouldn't take him to the doctor, which was a lesson well learned. He attended Ravenna Public Schools and throughout his educational years, enjoyed the friendships of a few close pals. In 1950, Ed was drafted into the U.S. Marines during the Korean War. He excelled as an expert marksman, and although the military wanted to see him through sniper school, he chose communications instead. After his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned home to Fruitport and joined Leigh Products of Coopersville where he worked for the next 40 years as a machinist/press operator. While at Leigh, he enjoyed several good friendships which continued throughout the years. He also enjoyed building homes. With newly developed suburbs cropping up in droves, the housing market flourished. Ed went on to become a licensed builder all while continuing his factory job. To his credit, Ed, along with his brothers and sons, built over 45 homes over the years. In 1965, he built the first all electric heated home, backed by Consumer Power Company. Soon blessed with six children, Allan, Diana, Gordon, David, Timothy, and Sherry added much to their lives. With a wife and kids to support, Ed never ran out of ways to better himself and put his skills to good use. While building homes and working at Leigh Products, he also found time to earn a degree in radio and TV repair. For several years he supplemented his income with repair jobs in the evenings and on Saturdays. A good provider, his hard work ethic set a fine example to those around him. As a family, they made their home in the close knit community of Fruitport. He loved his children dearly, and was strict as a parent. His children knew better than to talk back, and to do what they were told. If they followed those simple, yet respectful rules, everything would be fine. Family life needed to run smoothly in his book, and he even put his work ethic to test in raising his children. When there was a job to do, they needed to do it, and do it right. He was adamant about doing what is expected, and never to procrastinate. Having grown up on a farm, Ed was accustomed to getting up early to feed chickens and milk cows, and this habit of getting up early stuck with him his whole life through. It was also a habit he wanted to instill in his children. Many Saturday mornings began with Ed blasting music to wake his children to begin their day! In later years, when Kay introduced Ed to camping, the early morning ritual continued. His daughter-in-law, Mary was a little horrified when Ed came knocking at their campsite at 7:30 in the morning, announcing breakfast was ready. In the 70s, racing was very popular and as a family, they shared their love for the sport. Every year they attended all three races at Michigan International Speedway together where great times were had by all. Ed enjoyed traveling, and once vacationed in Florida where he stayed with one of his friends from the factory. Ed had found love in the heart of Kay All. After dating for a time, they were married in nearby Grand Rapids on October 20, 1984. Kay brought her children Sherry and Patrick with her to join the new loving family. After retiring, Ed and Kay traveled to Daytona, Atlanta, and Darlington for racing. They also visited Talladega and Bristol. When Ed's son Gordon was stationed in Germany from 1986 to 1989, Ed and Kay traveled to see him. While there, they went on a five country tour with Gordon and his wife, Pat. Kay and Ed also enjoyed camping. It was much different than what he was accustomed to in the Marines, sharing a tent with 23 other soldiers. He now traveled in a 32 foot "land yacht". They went to many beautiful sites throughout Michigan, and always invited friends and relatives on their journeys. When camping, Ed savored McDonalds coffee, and perfect campsites were always within a few miles of a McDonald's Restaurant. No wonder he enjoyed camping at Ponchos Pond in Ludington! Special pets played a large role in Ed's life, too. Always dogs, he was never fond of cats, and they were always a part of the family. Most recently, his precious Maltese companions, Princess and King were extremely spoiled dogs in their home. Princess especially had a special place all her own atop her Pa Pa's shoulder! Among many things he enjoyed, family was by far his greatest joy. He liked NASCAR, and came to love the art of woodworking. After retiring in 1993, Ed wasn't for the rocking chair! Shortly after, he bought a piece of woodworking equipment designed for the "serious woodworker". This particular machine enabled him to buy wood from the sawmill. He'd dry it and made whatever size, width and thickness necessary for his projects. He spent a lot of time woodworking with his son making custom pieces. Between the two of them, they knew many people, and before long the news spread! They made beautiful pieces including tables, hutches, bookcases, wine racks and even clocks. Through woodworking, Ed gravitated back to home building, but this time his specialty included cabinetry. He and his son designed and completed nearly 15 kitchens and baths for new homes and remodels. Always a perfectionist, when plans just didn't seem right, he wouldnt proceed until an issue could be resolved. A few cabinets remain in the woodshop that werent right for whatever reason. Ed was a stickler for detail, and his work needed to be perfect before he'd put cabinets in anyone's home. Always kind and gentle, Edward was a loving husband who found in his beloved Kay his best companion and friend. Although firm with his children, he taught them well and lovingly guided them to give their best. Bar none, his word was a testimony to the integrity for which he lived. For all that he was, and for all that he gave, his memory lives on in treasured memories. Mr. Edward Meyers Jr., age 80, died Saturday, August 11, 2012. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Kay; children, Allan (Marjorie) Meyers, Diana (Rick) Scott, Gordon (Debra) Meyers, David (Debra) Meyers, Timothy (Debbie) Meyers, Sherry Kramer; daughter-in-law, Kristin Kramer; 15 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; brothers, Jacob Raymond Meyers, Clifford (Resa) Meyers; sister, Peggy Kline; several nieces and nephews; and his precious Maltese dogs, Princess and King. He was preceded in death by his son Patrick; brothers, Robert and Richard; and sister, Ruth. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: Saturday, August 18, 2012, 2-5 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. MEMORIAL: Noah Project or Harbor Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to share a favorite memory and photo of Ed and to sign his online guest book.