LaVern Martin Meyer, 92, of Concordia, MO, passed away peacefully Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at The Good Shepherd Care Community in Concordia, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 18th, 2024, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Concordia with Pastors Michael Pottschmidt and Andrew Lehenbauer officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church. Burial with full military rites will be held at St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church or American Cancer Society in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home in Concordia. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com.
LaVern was born July 14, 1931, in Knob Noster, MO, the son of the late Martin J. and Caroline (Schelp) Meyer. He grew up working on the family farm in Concordia, MO. He then worked at The International Shoe Factory in Sweet Springs, MO. In May of 1952, LaVern began his two years of service in The United States Army. On August 11, 1956, he married Marie Hemme of Emma, MO, (who was living in Kansas City, MO at the time) at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Emma, MO. This marriage was blessed with three children. While living in Kansas City, LaVern worked for ARMCO Steel Corporation. He then went to work for General Motors at The Leeds Chevrolet Plant. In 1958, they moved to Concordia MO. On weekends, LaVern worked with his friend Laverne “Vern” Falk, (A general contractor) building houses in Concordia (Including the Meyer family home) and neighboring communities. LaVern continued working for General Motors reaching full retirement after 30 years. In retirement, LaVern worked for his friend Paul Heermann in the Concordia area installing new roofs on houses, building machine sheds, etc. He also worked for his friend, Roy Hemme, driving a tractor, planting and harvesting crops, etc. on his farm.
LaVern was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church serving on the Board of Elders, the Voter’s Assembly, the Evangelism/Stewardship and the Finance committees. LaVern was an active member of The American Legion, Post 258 for over 40 years. LaVern was also an active member of The Concordia Veterans Honor Guard for over 20 years. During many Honor Guard ceremonies and activities, (Military funerals, Memorial Day tributes, etc.) it was often LaVern and Mel Bockelman who folded The American Flag. LaVern was a member of the committee for the construction of The Lafayette County Veterans Memorial which sits on the courthouse grounds in Lexington, MO.
LaVern and Marie enjoyed traveling including all 50 United States and over 50 foreign countries. They were truly moved by their trip to The Holy Land and The Sea of Galilee. They both felt so humbled to walk where Jesus walked.
LaVern and Marie were members of The Whiteman Air Force Base Community Council in Knob Noster, MO. They were offered an opportunity to sit in the B2 Flight Simulator and experience what it’s like to fly the aircraft.
Survivors include; two daughters, Wanda (Kent) Torbeck of Stockton, MO and Carol Mueller of Emma, MO; one son, Kenneth J. Meyer of Kansas City, MO; one granddaughter, Jackie of Holden, MO; three great-grandsons, Jack, Nicholas and Alexander; one brother, Richard Meyer of Shell Knob, MO; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
LaVern was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 67 years Marie, (who passed away less than a month ago); one brother, Verlon C. Meyer; and all five of his sisters, Valeda Schnakenberg, Sylvia Henley, Ethelyn (Susie) Carrender, Gloria Trent, and Delores Harms.
LaVern lived life as a kind, strong but gentle, supportive and loving man. He will be missed but we have comfort knowing he is in his Heavenly Home.