Calhoun County Judge Richard Meyer died Nov. 18 at the age of 74.
Judge Meyer was born in Port Lavaca on 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.
Judge Meyer 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 Meyer married Jackie Schwarting. Together, they laid a solid and loving foundation upon which they raised a son, Ty, and a daughter, Leslie. He 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 Jan. 1, 2019, Richard Meyer 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.
The Judge 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 Cattlemen’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.
Judge Meyer 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.
Judge Meyer 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.