Kenneth D. Meyer, 93, of Plano, Texas, passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2025. He was born on May 1, 1932, in Cheney, Kansas, the son of Herman D. and Lola (Garnett) Meyer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Cheney, Kansas and spent his early years growing up on the family farm.
Ken graduated from Cheney High School on May 23, 1950, and soon after joined the Wichita Air National Guard for pilot training. He served 2 years on active duty and 8 years in the reserve, attaining the rank of Captain in the U.S. Air Force. Among his assignments, he flew transport missions during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1960.
After his military service, Ken worked as an Air Traffic Controller for five years in Kansas City, where he met and married Corrine Crumbaker in August 1960 and had two sons, David and Darrell. In 1999, Ken married Barbara Wood Telkamp at Custer Road United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas.
In 1965, Ken began a 27-year career with American Airlines, retiring as a commercial airline captain. Retirement didn’t slow him down and Barbara shared a passion for travel, enjoying numerous cruises, often with close friends from the Grey Eagles. When not traveling, Ken could be found boating at Cedar Creek Lake, hunting at his deer lease, or spending time with family and his friends.
Ken was a longtime member of Custer Road United Methodist Church and had also been active in the Sunday School program. For many years, he attended both Custer Road and Christ United Methodist Church of Plano.
He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who valued time spent with loved ones. He served as a Boy Scout troop leader for his sons and remained an avid hunter and fisherman throughout his life. Ken was known for his love of conversation, photography, and a good glass of Scotch.
Ken is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his children, David (Heather) Meyer of Madison, Wisconsin, and Darrell (Kimberly) Meyer of Idaho Falls, Idaho; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, LaVera Tonn who passed in 2024.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options
Kenneth was laid to rest with military honors at Dallas/Ft Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Christ United Methodist Church of Plano or Custer Road United Methodist Church of Plano.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)
Allen Family Funeral Options
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