Kevin Lee Meyer, 58, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at his home in Hutchinson, KS.
Kevin was born July 23, 1960 in Smith Center, KS, to Donald and LaVern (Lehmann) Meyer. He attended Gaylord Elementary School and Smith Center High School, graduating with the class of 1978. Following high school, he enrolled in carpentry classes at Beloit Vo-Tech and graduated in 1979. After graduation, Kevin used these carpentry skills in a variety of home-building and construction jobs. He worked for Nick Luiso for a number of years in the Kensington area. He also had many self-employment jobs. The last several years, Kevin was employed by Miller Home Builders in Hutchinson.
Kevin enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard on March 14, 1980 in the 170th Maintenance Company in Smith Center, Kansas under the split training program. This unit later became the 995th Maintenance Company. He enlisted as a 92G, Food Service Specialist and spent all of his 39 years in the Kansas Army National Guard working in that field obtaining the rank of Sergeant First Class. During his time with the 170th and 995th he was an instrumental part of winning two awards in the Phillip A. Connelly Awards Program for Excellence in Army Food Service. The first award in 1994 and the second in 2003. This award is a Department of the Army Award for all Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Component units. As a guardsman, Kevin prepared thousands of meals for soldiers. Sergeant First Class Jones reported that it isn't often that Soldiers would rather eat Army food than have meals catered, but that was the case wherever SFC Meyer was cooking. In October 2010, SFC Meyer was deployed to Kuwait with the 778th Transportation Company in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sargent Jones also said that Kevin was very proud of his community and would volunteer to assist with community events every chance that he had.
Kevin was a long-time member of St. John Lutheran Church, Athol, KS, and most recently a member of the Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hutchinson, KS.
Kevin had a life-time passion for sports. He enjoyed basketball, baseball, football, and car-racing events. He attended games at Smith Center High School, Hutchinson Community College, and Kansas State University, as well as games in Kansas City supporting the Royals and the Chiefs. Mother's Day weekend, Kevin was able to go the NASCAR Kansas 400 race at the Speedway in Kansas City.
Kevin's sense of humor was unrivaled especially at Christmas time. Family members had the benefit of his many creative Christmas presents. Many of these gifts showcased his woodworking skills.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Sheryl Meyer, and a nephew, Spencer Tuxhorn.
Kevin is survived by his sisters, Kerri (Devon) Kuhlman and Monica Dunavan; nieces, Erica (Ryan) Ballard, Lakin (Taylor) Lyon, and Felicia Kuhlman; nephews, Derrick Kuhlman, Braden Kuhlman, Logan Tuxhorn, Caleb Kuhlman, and Austin Kuhlman; and three great nieces, Olivia Lyon, Ayva Nielsen, and Oaklynn Lyon.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 1, 2019 at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Avenue, Hutchinson, KS, with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 31, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Hutchinson Funeral Chapel, 300 E. 30th Ave, Hutchinson. Burial will take place in Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson. Memorials may be given to the Emanuel Lutheran Church and sent in care of the funeral chapel.