Ronald David Meyer

Ronald David "Ron" Meyer, 81, passed away Friday, August 11, 2023.

Ron was born November 25, 1941, in Saginaw to Alexander and Anna (Simon) Meyer.  He attended Michigan State University’s agriculture program and then spent his career dedicated to Frank’s Nursery. He moved to Kalamazoo as a store manager to open a new Frank’s store. Later, he was in upper management and then as a store manager at the Frank's Portage location. During his years at Frank’s, he mentored many employees who later became lifelong friends. Following his retirement from Frank’s, he “played” in Home Depot’s nursery department. He spent several years happily volunteering at a local food pantry. 

Ron loved to have fun and made lifelong friends in everything he did, from work to boating and camping.  He befriended neighbors in every place he lived. He spent years boating the Great Lakes and later camped in Michigan and Florida in his motorhome. He loved puttering in his yard, always growing beautiful gardens each summer. He was a member of the Southridge Reformed Church.

Ron is survived by his daughter, Annette (Dan) Shumaker; grandchildren, Mitchell and Olivia Shumaker; great-granddaughter, Rosalinda Shumaker and a sister, Marsha (Marc) Johann; niece, Sara (Adam) Sawatzki and family; ex-wife and friend, Marilyn (Jack) Gayda and beloved stepsons Steve Burcham and Bryan Burcham. He was preceded in death by his wife, Pat; parents, Alexander and Anna; brother, Gerald; nephew, Geoff and beloved “girls,” Gretta and Daisey. 

Interment has taken place at Portage Central Cemetery. Ron’s family will receive friends for a memorial visitation on Saturday, September 9, 2023, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel.  In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be directed to Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry (901 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001). 

Personal messages for Ron’s family may be shared here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.