Meyer, Thomas J.

Thomas J. Meyer 88, of St. Louis, died Thursday June 30,2022 at Ascension Living Sherbrooke Village.

Thomas was born March 12,1934 to John and Lena (Rost) Meyer in St. Louis, MO. He was the youngest of 8 children. He had to quit school at an early age to care for his mother as she fought severe diabetes. This selfless act led to his legacy of compassion and caring for those he loved. He always put others’ needs before his own.

His life changed drastically at the age of 21 as he and his father “Gramps”, opened their doors to welcome his sister, Harriet and her four children, Donna, Patty, Mike and Denny Kelly. He may have had a limited education, but he was a smart man and taught the “Kelly Kids” the importance of respect, hard work, life skills and compassion for others. He could be stubborn and demanding but he was always kind and generous. He also taught them it was okay to be a little different and love was unconditional.

His life changed again in 1967 as his sister married and moved the three youngest Kelly Kids to Wisconsin. His life of chaos became a house of quiet. He stared and cared for his father until his passing in 1977. He was then able to share his life with his loving partner and companion Joe Brooks. “Uncle Joe”. They enjoyed traveling the world and shared a happy life together. Tom cared for Joe until his passing.

Tom has resided in his apartment at Sherbrooke Village and was cared for by the staff. You could see him as he made his daily rounds of the facility and he always greeted everyone with a kind word and a smile. He was fortunate to have a very close friend, Bill Schwindt who looked after him and attended to his person needs, which made it possible for him to maintain his somewhat independent lifestyle. Tom’s family will be forever grateful to Bill for all the time spent and compassion shown over the past years of his life.

He is survived by nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his partner, Joie, his siblings, Ernest Reinberger, John, Carl, Benjamin, Robert Meyer, Harriet Taylor and Lillian Hall, niece Donna Lichtenberg and nephew Denny Kelly.

“God Bless You”

Visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 on Wednesday, July 6 from 11:30 am. until funeral service time at 12:30 pm. Interment at Mt. Hope Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers please donate to SAGE (Advocacy & Services Organization for LGBT Elders) 2200 Gravois Road Ste. 201 St. Louis, Missouri 63104.