Gary Francis Meyer

    Gary Meyer, age 88 of Jonesboro, died Thursday, June 18, 2026. He was born February 3, 1938 in Anna, the son of Ted and Helen Meyer.

    Gary is survived by his wife, Emily Boyd-Meyer of Jonesboro; children, John Meyer of Lewiston, Idaho and Anne DvoraK of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Jesse Meyer-Gray in the US Army, Elisabeth Frank of Portland, Oregon, Joshua and Jacob Dean; great-grandchildren, Leo Gary and Echo Elisa. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Edward and his son, Mark.

    Gary played football, basketball and baseball during his high school years. After graduating high school, he was invited to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956. The tryout was held in the old Sportsman Park in St. Louis. He did well enough to be offered a contract. He signed his contract in June and was assigned to a minor league team in Dothan, AL. He later moved to Albany, GA and would return home in late August. He returned the following year for spring training and was later released.

    In 1963, Gary graduated from Southern Illinois University with a bachelor’s degree in forestry. He went on to work for the US Forest Service for 28 years in Montana, Idaho and Colorado. His last position was Fire Staff Officer on the Clearwater National Forest in Idaho. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

    Memorial services for Gary Meyer will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna with Bill Littrell officiating. Those attending are asked to gather at the funeral home prior to the service time at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes are available at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home. Online donations can be made by visiting the link below.