A lifelong native of Walton, John Michael Meyer passed away at the age of 77 from complications of multiple myeloma, in A. O. Fox Hospital, Oneonta, on Thursday, September 22, 2011.

John was born on the family farm in Bennett Hollow, Town of Franklin, on March 17, 1934, a son of the late Michael Meyer and the late Frieda Kuppens Meyer. John graduated from Franklin Central School in 1952, and studied Dairy Science at Delhi Agricultural and Technical College before enlistment in the US Army. He was trained at the Southeastern Signal School at Camp Gordon, Georgia and, after service in Japan as an expert cryptographer, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1961 from Cornell University.

John managed the dairy farm with his parents for many years, and also sold Funks brand seeds to area farmers. He was gifted with an uncanny memory for dates and events, and recounted experiences with almost total recall. He also read continually and had a large literature collection. A lifelong member of Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, John sponsored those joining the Church, served on church committees, and enjoyed greeting the congregation as an usher. John was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Knights of Columbus, the American Legion Post , and supported the American Chestnut Foundation, Word Ways and similar organizations.

At Countryside Care Center in Delhi since December of 2009, John faced his incurable disease with grace, and enjoyed visits from family and friends along with care and comfort from the staff.

John is survived by two sisters, Elizabeth Zemanick of Lone Tree, Colorado and Margaret Pawlik of Southold, New York, two brothers, Jerome W. Meyer of San Jose, California and George E. Meyer (Lita) of Lincoln, Nebraska, his brother in law James Tweedie, of Hamden, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sister Mary Tweedie of Hamden.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on Monday afternoon, September, 26, 2011 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St., Walton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday morning at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 17-21 Benton Ave., Walton, with the Rev. Edward Golding, officiating.

Contributions in John's memory may be made to St. John the Baptist Church, 25 Benton, Avenue, Walton, NY 13856.