Raymond Henry Meyer, I, 69, of Benton, IL, departed this life Thursday, August 29, 2024, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN. Born June 24, 1955, in Rochelle, IL, to Faye (Ward) Meyer of Fairdealing, MO and the late Art Meyer. Raymond grew up in Ripley County attending school at Doniphan and developing lifelong friendships.

Raymond was a retired union carpenter. He always greeted others with a bright, warm smile. His teasing and jovial nature was just like his dad’s. He always had a joke to share and story to tell. Raymond’s vibrant personality attracted friends and endeared him to all who knew him. He enjoyed life and loved his family and friends dearly.

On June 30, 1973, Raymond married the love of his life, Diana Lynn Roberts. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2017. He was also preceded by a grandson, Connor Smith, and his dad, Art Meyer.

Surviving are his children, Angela Brown of Benton, IL and Raymond (Jill) Meyer, II of Valley Park, MO; his mother, Faye Meyer of Fairdealing; a sister, Cathy (Joey) Clairday of Searcy, AR; a brother, Edward (Tabitha) Meyer of Fairview, TX. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Brandon Meyer, and Morgan Smith; a special friend, Marilyn Harris; nieces and nephews, Josh (Shelby) Meyer, Joey Clairday, Brittney Meyer Bounds, Mathew Clairday, Staci Bodkin, and Casey Vallance; a brother-in-law, Danny (Sylvia) Pigg, and mother-in-law, Helen Pigg.

Visitation will be held in the Edwards Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, September 7, 2024, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jared Hancock will be officiating, and burial will be in Ward Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Ward Family Cemetery by mail to 500 County Road 4481, Poplar Bluff, MO  63901.