Thomas George Meyer's Obituary
Palmetto – Tom “Tommy” George Meyer, 85, of Palmetto FL, formerly of Bradenton FL and Chicago IL, passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2024, with his family by his side.
Tom was born June 7, 1938 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of George and Blanche Meyer. Tom is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sue Meyer of Palmetto FL; his son Andrew Meyer and his wife Michelle of Orlando, FL; daughters Michelle Meyer of West Brooklyn, IL, Katie Meyer-Griffith and her husband Sean of St. Petersburg, FL and step-daughter Trisha Dunkelberger and her husband Mike of Newton, Iowa; sister-in-law Lynn Renker and her husband Mike; brother-in-law Craig Benstein and Debbie Lunger; grandchildren Paytin, Myah, Charles; and nieces and nephews Jen Benstein, Mike Benstein, Lauren Gresher, Scott Renker, and Erin Odneal.
After graduating high school, he served in the Army, stateside as well as in Korea. He married Sue Benstein, August 18, 1973, and they raised a family together in Milwaukee, WI and Bradenton, FL. Tom lived a full and vibrant life full of wonderful moments including seeing his children get married, welcoming grandchildren into the world, camping in the NC mountains, and most recently celebrating 50 years of marriage with Sue. As many Chicago Cubs fans can relate, one of his most cherished memories was witnessing the Cubs win the World Series in 2016 – made even more memorable by his niece, Jen, taking him to Wrigley Field to watch game 3 of the series.
Tommy was a legend, a true OG, who never met a stranger. His kindness, one-of-a-kind humor, stories with life lessons embedded, and loving spirit will be missed beyond measure by family, friends, colleagues, and even strangers who crossed his path. He was passionate about spending time with his family, sports, protecting all of God’s creatures, and enjoying sweets! To honor Tommy’s legacy, the family asks that you take time to enjoy some of his favorite activities: smoke a good cigar, go fishing, spend time outdoors, cheer on your favorite sports team, rescue wildlife, adopt a pet from a shelter, make people laugh, cheers to life with your favorite beverage, drink a milkshake, and most importantly tell your family and friends how much you love them.
A private graveside service will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors. A celebration of life will take place later this summer during a Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field followed by a family trip to Green Lake, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in honor of Tom be made to Southeastern Guide Dogs (now known as Dogs, Inc.) online at www.dogsinc.org or checks can be mailed to Southeastern Guide Dogs, 4210 77th Street East, Palmetto, FL 34221.
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?