Judge Richard Harold Meyer of Port Lavaca, TX, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 18, 2024, at the age of 74.
Richard was born in Port Lavaca, TX July 5, 1950, to the late Robert and Gladys Elder Meyer, the youngest of five children. His childhood was spent traversing and exploring the countryside and coastal waters of Six Mile and throughout Calhoun County. His love and passion for God’s earth created a blueprint for a life devoted to the prosperity of his beloved community.
Richard graduated from Calhoun High School in 1968. Shortly afterwards, he enlisted in the National Guard, and proudly served for six years. On August 23, 1975, Richard married Jackie Schwarting. Together, they laid a solid and loving foundation upon which they raised a son, Ty, and a daughter, Leslie. Richard worked as a farmer/rancher for many years, later in the liquid feed business, and continued to work cattle and the land for most of his life. His work ethic, sacrifice to his family, and continual involvement with his community were God’s way of preparing him for his greatest professional accomplishment. On January 1, 2019, Richard was sworn in as Calhoun County Judge. He immediately put in to motion numerous years of ground experience, relationships formed, and vast knowledge of his community to serve tirelessly and passionately until the end.
Richard was highly involved in his community. He strongly supported 4H/FFA events and the Calhoun County Youth Rodeo Association. He served as President of Calhoun County Cattleman’s Association for 22 years. He was named Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year in 2014. He volunteered with Hospice of South Texas for 15 years. He was an instrumental member of the Victoria Economic Development Cooperation. He was a member of Our Lady of the Gulf Catholic Church and actively shared his faith.
Richard was very proud of his role as County Judge, but that paled in comparison to his role as a husband, father and grandfather. He was a bastion of humility, loyalty, compassion, optimism, warmth, and unwavering devotion. These attributes were clearly palpable to those around him but now serve as a legacy to his family.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Lloyd Meyer, and a nephew Keith Meyer. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; a brother, Bobby Meyer; sisters Mary (Calvin) Sachtleben and Lois Ann Ramey; his son Ty (Gabriela) and daughter Leslie (Aaron) New; grandchildren Lucas, Dania, Adan, Eva, Matias, and Antonio Meyer and Kamie, Morgen, and Whitten New; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation was held on Thursday, November, 21st, at the Bauer Community Center in Port Lavaca. A memorial service and rosary followed at 5 pm. A funeral mass took place on Friday, November 22nd, at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Victoria. A private family burial will be held later.
Pallbearers were Vern Lyssy, Bobby Vickery, Jimmy Hayes, Joel Behrens, David Hall, Gary Reese, Kevin Staples, and Nathan Lapham. Honorary Pallbearers were Bud and Karen Rinasz, Red and Kay McPherson, Dwight and Bonnie Mutchler, The Morning Coffee Group, The Deer Camp, Calhoun County Courthouse and Sheriff’s Department, and the Hospice of South Texas Lassoing Loving Care Committee. Donations may be made to Hospice of South Texas or Nazareth Academy Catholic School.
