Carl S. Meyer

Carl Stilson Meyer

Carl Stilson Meyer, 90, of Sayre passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 13, 2018.  “Dutchie”, as he was known by most of his friends and family, enjoyed a full life and was loved by the many whose lives he touched over his lifetime.

Born on January 12, 1928, in Plymouth Township, PA, Luzerne County, he was the son of the late Joseph Mitchell Meyer and Agnes Muchler Meyer.  He is predeceased by one brother, Robert, and two sisters, Mary and Irma.  His surviving brother, Joseph, resides in New Jersey.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Louise Barbara (Strazdus) Meyer, aged 90, who still remains in the family home in Sayre.   Dutchie and Louise also had four (4) children:  Carl Meyer of Henryville, PA; Mark (Cheryl) Meyer and Michael Meyer of Sayre; and Linda (Michael) Small of Whittier, CA.  Loving grandchildren will also miss him and include:  Jessica Maris and Alison Louise Meyer (Mark and Cheryl); Talia Eve Meyer (Carl); Derek Meyer (Michael); and Dylan Michael and Jason Carl Small (Linda and Michael).  He will also be mourned by relatives from the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton area of PA:  Sylvia and Harry Mangan; Marian Snyder; Joseph and Betty Strazdus, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Dutchie attended Plymouth High School where he was a three-sport letterman in football (guard), wrestling, and track (pole vault).  He joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War and completed his service honorably.  Following the military, he graduated with his B.S. from Bloomsburg State Teacher’s College.  While in college, he married and later went on to secure his M.S. from Mansfield State College.  After graduating from Bloomsburg, he moved to Sayre to teach with his very special three friends from College – Floyd Williams, Joe Swigonski, and John Johnson. He then completed his Certification as an Elementary School Principal from the University of Scranton.  For many years during this time, he also operated as the Summer Manager of the Sayre Swimming Pool and Concession Stand where all sorts of Sayreites enjoyed swimming, snacks, and recreation in both the open air and later closed cover pools.  He retired from the Sayre School District in 1984 after almost 30 years of service.

As many in the Valley may know, Dutchie Meyer was an avid sportsman, birdwatcher, collector, skilled woodworker, Northern Section Hall-of-Fame wrestling coach, and 30-year teacher and principal in the Sayre School District.  He was an Eagle Scout and served his community as a member of the Sayre Elks, Sayre Sportsman’s Club, and a mentor/instructor for the PA Game Commission.  He shared his love for the outdoors with young and old alike, teaching many young Valleyites how to fish and hunt and appreciate the beauty of nature around them.  He enjoyed a wonderful group of friends, such as Ralph Yanuzzi, many of whom were teachers/principals/educators themselves, and others, like close friend Dave Gower, who shared a common interest in hunting/fishing/camping and having a good time.  He will be missed by family and friends who have been sharing their fond memories with his family.

Others who would like to join in a celebration of his life are invited to attend a memorial gathering at Yanuzzi’s Restaurant in Sayre, PA this Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 12:30 p.m.  Celebration will later move to The Flatiron Bar.  In line with his wish to be cremated, Dutchie would have wanted any expressions of sympathy to involve donations/support in care of Animal Care Sanctuary, Stray Haven, Bradford County Humane Society ; and/or the Sayre Sportsman’s Club, 570/888-6089, P.O. Box 141, Athens, PA 18810.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of The Thomas Cremation and Funeral Service, 1297 Elmira St., Sayre, Pa. Those wishing to leave a  sympathy message for Dutch's family may do so at thomascremationfuneralservice.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Carl S. Meyer, please visit our floral store.