Robert "Whitey" Meyers

Robert “Whitey” Meyers was a man with a huge heart that beat to help others, especially children. If he knew you needed something, he would do whatever he could to see that you got it. Bob was passionate about his career as a principal for over 30 years and worked hard to impact the lives of countless children under his supervision. He was an avid outdoorsman who didn’t really care what he was doing, as long as it was outside. Bob was a family man through and through who was so very proud of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He made the most of the life he was given each and every day while creating a beautiful tapestry of memories that will be forever treasured by those he leaves behind.

The 1920s were an unprecedented time in American history as growth and expansion left people looking to celebrate the prosperous times. This was the decade that became known as the “Roaring Twenties” in which people could buy a Ford for $290 and radios, movies, and buying on credit exploded within the cultural scene. It was during this exciting time that Earl and Wilma (Roberts) Meyers welcomed the birth of their son, Robert Allen, on October 10, 1925. Born in Plainwell, Michigan, Robert was the fourth of seven children in his family including his brothers: John, Warren, and Earl, Jr. and his sisters: Pearl, Arlene, and Florence. His father worked at the paper mill in Parchment while his mother had more than enough to keep her busy at home. Bob attended local schools including Plainwell High School where he played basketball.

After graduating from high school in 1943, life took Bob down a few different paths. Like so many other young men of this generation, he went into the Navy right out of high school where he boxed as a featherweight. He served extensive duty on the U.S.S. Idaho in the Pacific Theater in World War II. Because of the GI Bill, Bob was able to continue his education at Western Michigan University where he pursued a degree in education. This wouldn’t be the last time he attended school, however, as later in life he achieved his Master's Degree in Education from Western.

Bob put his education to good use shortly after he graduated when he took a teaching position as a fifth grade teacher in South Haven. He remained there for only a few years before taking an administrative position in Plainwell. Bob was the principal at Gilkey and Bridge Street Elementary Schools, and his most recent position was at Starr Elementary and Cooper Elementary. Throughout his career, Bob was a principal for over 30 years. He also worked as a referee for basketball and football at times.

It was also as a young man that Bob met the young woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Betty Rentner and she was the cousin of his best friend, Chuck Ross. Bob and Betty married in the late forties. Together they were blessed with four children: Kim, Mark D., Scott Michael, and Lynn. His kids attended the same school where Bob worked and always said that he was a strict principal. Bob adored his own kids and took in many stray kids who needed some guidance as well. In fact, the Meyers house was quite often the neighborhood hangout where the good times were always plentiful. Bob’s heart for children also extended to those he mentored through the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Although his marriage to Betty ended in divorce after 31 years, he was forever grateful for the children they shared together.

Changes were in store for Bob when he later married Marie Mitchell on December 14, 1985. Marie was a family friend and had six children of her own: DeWayne, Don, Debbie, Dwight, Robin, and Kim along with 19 grandchildren and eventually, 4 great-grandchildren. He and Marie took advantage of escaping the Michigan winters and spent the season in Fort Meyers, Florida together.

Throughout his life, Bob was an outdoorsman who loved being outside no matter what he was doing including hunting, skiing, mushroom hunting, and everything in-between. Fishing was another of Bob’s favorite activities, and he had an abundance of fishing poles, rods, and reels. Lake Doster in Plainwell was one of his favorite places to fish, and he was also the master of the fish fries. Bob loved his trips to Canada moose hunting and Bear Lake partridge hunting in the U.P. He was a member of both the Moose Lodge and the Elk Lodge.

Robert Meyers was a kind and thoughtful man whose heart was as big as they come. His generosity often extended to local children as he even took in a few from time to time. It was easy to see that Bob adored his grandchildren and that his family was his greatest source of pride. A truly remarkable man, Bob will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Robert A. “Whitey” Meyers of Plainwell died on Saturday, July 10, 2010. Bob’s family includes: wife Marie; four children: Kim (Ginny) Meyers, of CO; Mark (Stacey) Meyers, of Galesburg; Scott Meyers, of Otsego; Lynn (Jay) Shugars, of Marcellus; five step children: DeWayne (Sue) Williams, of Brighton; Debbie (Rick) Hyde, of Climax; Dwight (Doreen) Williams, of Jenison; Robin (Jeff) Bishop, of Plainwell; Kim Cooper, of Plainwell; 19 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; He is also survived by his siblings: John (Shirley) Myers, of Plainwell; Warren Meyers, of Otsego; Earl (Lou) Meyers, Jr., of Otsego; and Florence Ross, of Alamo. Bob was preceded in death by his two sisters: Pearl Tyler and Arlene Kelsey; and one step-son and his wife: Don and Katie Williams. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. and Thursday 1-3 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, 120 S. Woodhams, Plainwell (685-5881). Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 3 p.m. at the same location. Please visit Bob’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, leave a favorite memory or photo, or make a memorial donation to the Big Brothers Big Sisters and/or Alzheimer’s Association.