T. J. Meyer

Terrill J. Meyer, 77, completed requirements for the "Ultimate License" as he passed into eternal life on January 10, 2016. TJ was born December 23, 1938, in Jacksonville, IL, the son of Wilbur and Nell Meyer. He moved to Beardstown at a young age where he grew up on a farm and began an adventurous life. He married Penny Heitzig in 1970 in Jerseyville, IL. TJ graduated from Beardstown High School in the class of 1956 and from Culver Stockton College in 1961. During his junior year in college, he moved to Mexico City to enhance his knowledge of the Spanish language and Mexican culture. He earned a master's degree from Colorado State University in 1971. TJ continued learning throughout his life as evidenced by the many licenses he studied for and acquired over his lifetime. Most recently, he was learning to play the banjo from Instructor Don Wright and singing the chorus of Hello Mary Lou with the Jonnie Concaroo Band. TJ, a Spanish teacher, retired from Lanphier High School in 1994, but continued teaching part time in many of the local high schools. Prior to teaching, he was employed at ABC in Chicago as an engineer. A highlight was helping to set up the studio for the Paul Harvey News and Comment show on Saturday mornings. TJ also worked in the real estate and insurance fields. After retiring from teaching, TJ volunteered as a docent for the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. This sparked further study of Abe Lincoln and he loved getting to know his fellow volunteers and the visitors. TJ served the community by working many events for charity which included the K of C and Downtown Springfield, Inc. A lifetime hobby was working in local film and theater. He was a member of Christ the King Church, Knights of Columbus (Council 364), Lake Press Club, Beardstown Elks, Apostles of Light, and Central Illinois Film Commission where he was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame and also honored for his role as "doctor in charge" in the film "I Can't Be Dead," shot by St. Louis-based Arch Films in November. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Milton and O'Neil. Surviving are his wife, Penny; son, Michael of Springfield; and daughter, Kelly of Maui. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Ellie Meyer of Beardstown, Colette Meyer of Lititz, PA, and Linda (Roger) Distlehorst of Springfield; and several nieces and nephews. If you were ever greeted with "Never felt better in my life," you probably knew TJ. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 17, 2016 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 18, 2016 at Christ the King Parish, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield, with Rev. Joseph Ring celebrant. Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 at Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Foundation, 500 E. Madison St., Suite 200, Springfield, IL 62701, or Memorial Home Services/Hospice, 720 N. Bond St., Springfield, IL 62702. https://youtu.be/Arl8gkPPclE