Allen E. Meyer

Celebration of Life is planned for Allen E. Meyer, age 97, on Wednesday, July 1st at 11:00 AM, with Visitation preceding at 10:00 AM. Both take place at West Side Presbyterian Church, 1024 Kasold Drive, Lawrence, Kansas. Burial to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery. His long life defined Faith, Love, Service, Gratitude, and Humor. His reply when asked how he was doing was always “never better”.

Allen was born in Leavenworth, Kansas, on March 3, 1929, to Lillian (Hall) and Grover Meyer. He grew up working and living at Meyer Dairy in Basehor, Kansas, learning the value of hard work early, and carrying this strong work ethic throughout his life.

He graduated from Basehor High School and later moved to Lawrence in 1957, opening a local Meyer Dairy operation which included home deliveries. One noted customer was “Phog” Allen. He often told the story of visiting with “The Phog” during one delivery. He later worked for Hageman Foods, retiring at the age of 62 in 1991.

Allen married Wilma Steele on August 5th, 1962. He loved Wilma dearly, and they enjoyed many years of square dancing, beautiful scenic trips, card-playing fun with friends, and a shared passion for Jayhawk basketball. He provided loving care to Wilma throughout her battle with Parkinson’s Disease, and she preceded him in death in 2013.

Allen was a devoted member of West Side Presbyterian Church, always having a joke ready when attending Sunday service. Also, a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club, making many friends while serving the community. Special pride was taken in volunteering with Meals on Wheels for 30 years, always offering companionship during deliveries.

After Wilma passed, Allen developed a love of walking and served his neighborhood with treats for pets and neighborhood newspapers placed at front doors! He was featured on the front page of the Lawrence Journal-World on Jan. 1, 2021. https://www2.ljworld.com/news/general-news/2020/dec/31/i-pick-up-everyones-paper-91-year-old-delivers-newspapers-to-neighbors-doors-on-his-daily-walks/

Allen is survived by two children, son Tim (Michelle) Meyer and daughter Laura Meyer, both of Lawrence, two grandchildren, Noah (Ana Blazekovic) Meyer, Melanie Meyer, and many nieces and nephews.

Allen was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Wilma, four brothers; Howard Meyer, Ivan "Swede" Meyer, Everett "Spike" Meyer, Marvin Meyer, and a sister; June Baker.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Allen’s name may be made to: The Lawrence Humane Society, Parkinson’s Foundation, or West Side Presbyterian Church.