Eugene James Meyer, age 86

June 17, 1936 – October 30, 2022

Eugene James Meyer, age 86, of Dieterich, Illinois, passed away at 6:02 PM – Sunday, October 30, 2022, at home surrounded by his family.

Funeral services celebrating Eugene's life will be held at 11:00 AM – Friday, November 4, 2022, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois with Rick Britton officiating.  Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM – Thursday, November 3, 2022, at the funeral home.  Burial will be in the Dieterich Village Cemetery in Dieterich, Illinois, with full military rites.  In loving memory of Eugene, memorials may be made to Fear Nothing Cancer Support.  The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com .

Eugene James was born on June 17, 1936, in Jasper County, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Irene (Niendick) Meyer.  On September 27, 1958, Eugene married the love of his life, Marie Lewis, of Dieterich.

Eugene served his country in the United States Army from June 19, 1956, until his honorable discharge on June 18, 1958.

Eugene worked at Fedder's in Effingham for 43 years until his retirement.  He was a volunteer fireman serving on the Dieterich Fire Department.

Eugene was an avid mushroom and ginseng hunter. He loved camping at The Woods in Wheeler and along the Embarrass River. He would spend every summer logging catfish and loved to give rides on his airboat.  After retirement, many winters were spent at the Suwannee Campground in Old Town, Florida.

Eugene is survived by his wife of 64 years, Marie Meyer of Dieterich; his dog, Lucky; his daughters, Genia Meyer (special friend, Phil McCoy), Cheryl (Terry) Winterrowd, and Janice (Roch) Westendorf; grandchildren, Eric (Meagan) Petticrew, Dustin Petticrew (special friend, Danielle Stoll), Charity (Brent) Bohnhoff, Jamie (Randy) Niemerg, Ashley (Megan) Winterrowd, Adam Westendorf (special friend, Elizabeth Schroeder), Ryan (Courtney) Westendorf, and Tyler Westendorf (special friend, Lyndsey Jansen); sister, Marie (Don) Sandschafer; in-laws, Loren Elmore, and Marlene Meyer; 16 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Irene; brother, Gerald Meyer; sister, Norma Jean Elmore; and great-granddaughter Alexis Petticrew.