Eldon M. "Mike" Meyer

A long-time Lemon Grove resident, he was loved by his family and community alike. Mike always had a smile on his face, was quick to laugh and gracious with his words of wisdom. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and the most energetic person in any room, darting from conversation to conversation with countless friends.

His daughters remember never having to stay in a hotel while growing up because he always knew a friend or relative no matter where the family traveled, even in Europe while he served as a principal with the U.S. Department of Defense in Germany from 1962-1966.

Mike passed away September 9, 2012 at Sharp Hospice LakeView Home in La Mesa shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer.

He was born Eldon Marne Meyer in rural Forrest, Illinois on August 11, 1921. The eldest of five children of a factory worker and homemaker, he grew up in Bay City, Michigan before enlisting in the Marines in August 1942. As was the case with many radio operators, he was given the nickname “Mike,” which he adopted from then on.

He told the U-T San Diego in a story

http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/aug/26/tp-valuable-lessons-in-courage-and-sacrifice/

published shortly before his death that what he was most scared of and most proud of during his time in the military was the same thing: himself.

He fought in the battle of Tarawa, the first contested landing by U.S. Armed Forces of a Japanese occupied island. A humble man, he would always tell people the Purple Heart he earned for being wounded in battle was the easiest medal to win: “Just be standing at the wrong time.”

His time serving his country would shape the rest of his life and Mike’s commitment to those he served with never wavered. He was heavily involved in the California Chapter of the Second Marine Division Association, serving as its president when he died.

While on leave in San Diego during the war, Mike was at Asbury Methodist Church when he met Frances Snow, the daughter of a chemist turned candy maker.

The two were wed in January 1948 and enjoyed 64 years of marriage, during which time Frances would remind friends and family that Mike never did actually ask her to marry him – instead opting to wait for her to come running out the door after finding an engagement ring while straightening up papers on a table at her home.

A career educator, Mike worked as a teacher, principal and superintendent in Descanso, Orange County, Jamul and Lemon Grove in addition to his time in Germany. He never stopped learning, eventually earning his PhD and going on to publish a textbook and many of his beloved stories and poems.

A life-long Methodist, he was proud to be an active member of the Lemon Grove United Methodist Church and dedicated himself to a life of faith and service to the community that included most of the committees and offices at the church, and volunteering at the local senior center until his death.

With an irrepressible passion for life, Mike passed along numerous traditions that his family still cherishes, including making Christmas cookies and an Amish recipe for “Water Pie” that he continued to make for family gatherings as late as Christmas 2011.

Regrettably, one of the passions he helped to hand down was an enduring love for the San Diego Padres. Rarely happier than when he spent time at the ballpark with friends and family, Mike was known to call for the usher and ask to speak with the Padres’ manager, to offer a few words of advice for him. Watching those games with him are some the memories his family hold most dear.

Mike lived his life with his eyes and heart wide open, delighted to discover each person’s unique story.

Mike is survived by his wife, Frances; his younger siblings in Michigan, Wayne Meyer (Barbara) and Kittie Kramer; three daughters, Martha Osgood (Gil), Meredith Maloney (Tim) and Linda Meyer-Abbott (Dan); six grandchildren (Kerry, Nathan, Ben, Nick, Aaron and Tess) and two great-grandchildren (Moniece and Annelise).

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 14, 2012, 3 p.m. at Lemon Grove United Methodist Church (3205 Washington Street, Lemon Grove, CA 91945), where donations can be sent in lieu of flowers.