Richard Phillip Meyer

Richard Phillip Meyer, age 73 passed away on July 22, 2024 in Apple Valley CA better known to his family and friends as Rick or Ricky. Richard was born in Lincoln Nebraska on August 31, 1950 to the parents Donald Phillip Meyer and Virginia Lee Meyer. His family moved to California in 1955 settling in Santa Monica. Richard was the oldest of three children. He had two younger sisters, Linda & Cheryl. Five years later, the family moved to the San Fernando Valley; specifically Sherman Oaks.

Richard attended Granada Hills High School while there he participated in different high school sports lettering in gymnastics mainly the pommel horse and the rings. While in high school Richard began what would be his love of classic cars. The cars he owned at that time were a 1956 Chevy Nomad, a 1963 Chevy Corvette and a 1965 Chevy El Camino. At one time in his life he even worked as a member of the pit crew for the legendary race car driver Paula Murphy. Richard attended Pierce College for a couple semesters where he studied Physics, but never received his degree. After attending college Richard worked for A & M Records Studios in Hollywood California where he and his band PT BASA recorded several songs for certain groups including Elvis, POCO and Pure Prairie League. There he met several famous artists such as Karen Carpenter and George Harrison. Also working with Phil Spector. Later on, A & M Records Studios became the Jim Henson Company. After working for A & M Records Studies Richard began working for Gemco in Northridge California which would soon be known as Target stores. There he met Stella Hill. After a few years of dating Stella, they were married in 1978 in Simi Valley, California. In March of 1981 their first child was born LeeAnn Joyce Meyer. Around 1985 following his father's footsteps Richard became an insurance agent for his father's Farmers Insurance Agency. A year later in April of 1986 Richard and Stella welcomed their second child Joel Matthew Meyer. Richard continued to work as an insurance agent for many years thereafter until he was forced to retire due to an illness. After leaving the insurance agency, Richard spent his free time working on his classic cars such as his 1973 Chevy Nova. He also enjoyed collecting miniature trains, Bob's Big Boy collectibles, and Star Wars memorabilia. Among some of the other talents, Richard could play the acoustic, electric and bass guitars. He also was great at slide guitar, piano, keyboard and harmonica all of which was self taught. Some of his hobbies included deep sea fishing, scuba diving and watching and learning about trains and locomotives and the history of the western railroads. From there he moved to the high desert of Apple Valley California where there he became a member of the classic car club " Over the Hill Gang " holding many roles such as president, historian and vice president. He contributed his love, support and compassion to the club for many years. He enjoyed participating in many car shows but he valued the many friendships that he made. Richard was a devoted christian and member of the Calvary Chapel Church. Although Richard was taken from us too soon, as a believer in Jesus Christ, it gives us great comfort to know he is with our Lord his Heavenly Father.

Richard is survived by his daughter, LeeAnn Taylor, son-in-law, Justin Taylor, son, Joel Meyer, daughter-in-law, Evelia Meyer, and five grandchildren, Sarah Meyer, Richard Meyer, Abigail Meyer, Robyn Meyer, and Vivian Meyer. He is also survived by his mother, Virginia Meyer, sisters, Linda McCreadie and Cheryl Toller. Niece, Mary Green and nephews, John McCreadie, Scott McCreadie, Justin Toller and Jared Toller.

To all those who knew Richard he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a caring friend, always willing to help out those in need.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is the store for me the Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award to me on that day - and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." - 11 Timothy 4:7-8 NIV