Dessa Louise Meyer

March 17, 1935 – February 17, 2026

Dessa Louise Blackmon Meyer, born on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, 1935, in Spur, Texas, to Leonard and Nelda Blackmon, lived a life as vibrant as her birthday suggests. She passed away peacefully on February 17, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, love, and fun memories.

Her family moved to El Monte, California, before eventually settling in Bakersfield, where she built deep roots. She graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1952 and met the love of her life, Daniel Meyer, on a blind date. They married on January 26, 1953, and shared 43 devoted years together until his passing in 1996.

Dessa was the heart of her family and the joy of every gathering. She had a gift for making people feel welcome and turning ordinary moments into celebrations. She truly was the life of the party.

She is survived by her three children, Daniel Meyer Jr., Tanya (Jon) Singley, and Mark (Anna) Meyer; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Fred Blackmon, Leonard Blackmon Jr., and Helen Holloway; her daughter-in-law, Jackie Meyer; and her granddaughter, Ashlie Lopez.

Dessa devoted 38 years to Bakersfield College and the Kern Community College District, serving in the Business Office, as Season Ticket Manager for Renegade football, and ultimately as Director of Accounting Services.

In retirement, golf became one of her greatest joys. She was a proud and founding member of the River Lakes Women’s Golf Club and an active member of the North Kern Women’s Golf Club, Missing Links, and the Career Swingers. She served on the Board for each of these organizations, represented her clubs annually on the Team Play Board, and faithfully held the office of Treasurer for both North Kern and River Lakes for many years. She was not only a regular on the course several times a week, she was an essential and beloved part of the golfing community.

Her family extends heartfelt thanks to Kern River Transitional Care and Magnolia Place for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Hero Fund in honor of Dessa.

Dessa’s life was filled with joy, leadership, and a couple margaritas and her spirit will continue to shine in every gathering, every story shared, and every round of golf played in her memory.