Henry Lee Meyer, age 88 of Shawnee, Kansas, passed away Saturday, March 2, 2024, surrounded by family in Elkhart, Indiana. He spent his last day with his little great-grandchildren, who would all come into his room to check on him throughout the day.
Lee was born on December 19, 1935, in Clay Center, the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Renz) Meyer. He was so tiny– three pounds, received lots of loving care from his mama, and even fit in a shoebox! Lee graduated from Riley High School, then Kansas State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He played football and basketball in High School and attended many High School Reunions. He was proud of– and loved his family farm roots in Riley County, KS.
On June 4, 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Jolene Kaye Bohnenblust– the love of his life. They were happily married for 66 years and served as a great example of honoring their marriage covenant before our Lord. His greatest pride and joy were his family that he built with Jolene. They supported their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with all their endeavors– going to volleyball and soccer games, choir concerts, cheerleading competitions, debate team, and graduations. They even traveled to Spain to join their oldest grandchild during her study abroad semester in college.
Lee was the Director of Finance for the City of Shawnee, Kansas, Director of Finance for the City of Gladstone, Missouri and employed in the Finance Department of Platte Pipeline. He was exceptional with numbers & followed the stock market fervently. He was always loved and cherished by his coworkers and friends.
Lee was involved in the Optimist Club and was a Lifetime Member of the United Methodist Church, including:
Shawnee Methodist Church, Lenexa Methodist Church, and Faubion Methodist Church. He & Jolene were active members in Sunday School and served as Youth Group Leaders. He served our country in the armed forces from 1958 to 1960– where he & Jolene were stationed at Fort Bragg.
Lee was a social butterfly and loved to converse with anyone who would listen. His favorite topics of conversation included politics, religion, history, and vocabulary words– he ruffled some feathers, sometimes! Some would describe him as cantankerous or a curmudgeon, but he was the sweetest on the inside. Lee had a tender heart and was passionate about encouraging the underdog and helping those in need. His hobbies included collecting tobacco pipes, dancing with the square dance club, and bowling with the league– but he mostly showed up to spend time with his wife and have some great conversations. Every year he took his family to Table Rock Lake and stayed in Shell Knob– and even bought a boat for the family to continue the tradition. In his later years, he enjoyed strolling around Costco or Aldi and take his boy, Baxter his beloved yorkie, on walks in the park. Lee loved a good conversation with his neighbors with a Moscow mule or homemade kombucha in hand, during a competitive game of dominoes.
He is survived by his wife, Jolene Meyer; two daughters, Pamela Coe and her husband, Dr. Douglas of Leawood, Kansas, and Kimberly Linton of Elkhart, Indiana; three grandchildren, Emily Coe, Sara Coe, and Brieana Knight (Nathanael), and three great grandchildren, Lance Knight, Charlotte Knight, and Nolan Knight.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Letha Wilson.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Fairview Presbyterian Church with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.apfunerals.com.
The family would like to invite you to join them in a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the Service.
