Joseph A. Meyers
Joseph A. Meyers
Joe was born Feb. 14, 1923 in Wilkes-Barre, PA to
Joseph and Annie Moyer Meyers. He lived his early years there, graduating from
Elmer L. Meyers High School in 1941. During WWII he served in the Army Air Corps
and flew 50 missions as a B-17 Ball-turret gunner in the European Theater. His
plane was shot down over the Mediterranean near Italy where they were later
rescued by a Navy Submarine Chaser. He flew flight "51" on
a B-17 a few years back as a gift from his
family. He loved his country and was proud to defend it, asking nothing in
return.
While stationed at Mountain Home Air Force Base, he
met Zelda G. Esslinger and they were married March 9, 1944 in Wiles-Barre, PA.
They moved to Boise, Idaho where he worked as a tool and die maker before
joining the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1978.
During his lifetime he was a member of Our Lady of
the Rosary Catholic Church, the Idaho Outdoor Association, the U.S. Postal
Workers Union, and many Square and Round Dance Groups. Joe never met a "stranger",
he loved a good joke, singing, playing games, music and dancing. He was part of
a singing quartet and a square dance caller and round dance caller for many
years. He spent many hours volunteering at the Idaho State Veterans Home with the
"old boys". He was a "7's Hero" in 2006.
He took special delight in his grandchildren,
teaching them hunting and fishing, and motorcycle riding.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Zelda in 2000
and a special grandson, John Meyer in 1987. He was also predeceased by his
parents and siblings - the last of the "family".
Joe is survived by his 3 children, sons, Joseph A.
Meyers II and wife Frances of Bend, OR; Nick Meyers and wife Victoria of Boise;
and daughter, Elizabeth Meyer and husband Joe of Nampa. Also surviving are 6
grandsons and 1 granddaughter, 7 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters, as
well as many nieces and nephews.
His family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be
made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project.
A viewing will be held from 5-7 p.m., on Sunday,
February 23, at Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, with a graveside service at Dry
Creek Cemetery on Monday, February 24, at 3 p.m. There will be a gathering of
friends and family following the service at the Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel
Gathering Center.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph A. Meyers, please visit our flower store.
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