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Leo Ezra “Corky” Meyer, age 83, local businessman and entrepreneur, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born February 10, 1941 in Three Rivers, the son of Leo Albert and Jennie (Roberts) Meyer, and graduated from Three Rivers High School with the Class of 1958. Cork grew up in a small house on Roberts Road roaming the surrounding fields and woods with siblings and cousins, which was where his love of the outdoors began. In high school, he enjoyed working on cars with his friends in the auto club.
Cork co-founded, and was President of Bloom & Meyer Construction in the 1970s and later Meyer Brothers Construction in the 1980s and 1990s. During that same period, he and his brother Tom also developed and operated Westside Landfill until it was purchased by Waste Management. As a naturally curious person, and one for finding new projects, Cork was also involved in car washes – opening several Soapy’s locations around southern Michigan. His love of a challenge made for a very unique and winding career path.
On August 15, 1998, he married Dee Darst. Their 26-year marriage was full of wonderful memories. When they weren’t in Michigan, or at their home in the Florida Keys, the pair loved to travel. Their summers and falls were filled with road trips to every corner of the state, as well as others across the country. They also enjoyed the simpler moments like going to the movie theater and sharing a box of popcorn, or taking a cruise to the drive-in for a root beer float. Everyone who knew them could tell the couple were truly happy and enjoyed their life together. Cork also loved spending more time with his children and grandchildren after he retired, building lasting memories of their times together in Michigan and the Keys.
Cork had a long list of interests and hobbies. If you couldn’t find him at work, then you’d most likely find him on the water with a fishing pole. From his early years until his later, he fished every type of water – from the lakes and rivers surrounding his hometown to the Great Lakes and Atlantic. Like his work, fishing posed a challenge with uncertain odds, and that was what he enjoyed. He spent time at other outdoor pursuits like hunting, trap shooting and planting an extensive garden each year, alongside indoor hobbies like woodworking and classic car tinkering.
Over a lifetime in Three Rivers, Cork developed a wide and deep circle of friends, and a weekly “Popcorn Wednesday” gathering formed at his barn. He looked forward to these regular get-togethers with his pals and time spent catching up and reminiscing. Many of those same friends became part of a weekly poker game that he enjoyed hosting up until his final weeks, which shows just how close they were. Cork was beloved by his family and friends as an honest and caring person. Never one to deny help or advice, he touched the lives of not only his closest family but many others as well.
Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Dee; daughter, Julie (Steve) Pond; son, Chris (Christy) Meyer; son, Leo (Holly) Meyer; son, Peter Meyer; grandchildren, Tanner (Kelsey) Pond, Austin Pond, Magen (Eli) McNutt, Charlise Meyer, Patrick Meyer, Katharine Meyer, Leo James Meyer, and Sammy Allen Meyer; great-grandchildren, Wade, Elsie, and Wylie McNutt; brother, Tom (Jackie) Meyer; sisters, Jennie Lee Graham and Joy (Thomas) Spahn; along with many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Robert Meyer.
His family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 beginning at noon at Hohner Funeral Home, 1004 Arnold St., Three Rivers. A celebration of his life will be held at 3:00 at the funeral home.
Donations in Corky’s memory may be directed to a charity of your choice. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
