Meyer’s generosity only part of his legacy to local seniors

What can you say about a man who names his favorite city program as a beneficiary in his will?

If the man was Robert Earl “Bob” Meyer, then you can say a lot. The City of College Station staff members he regularly worked with knew him as Mr. Meyer or Bob — a citizen who truly loved his town and the senior programs available through the Parks and Recreation Department.

Bob passed away in October at the age of 81 after more than 50 years as a College Station resident. As part of his will, Bob bequeathed 25 percent of his sizable estate to the Parks and Recreation Department, specifically for programs that benefit our senior citizens. What an incredible gesture and gift!

Active in the Community

Bob took advantage of every opportunity to learn more about our city government, including Citizens University.  He loved to hunt and fish and shared his expert skills by volunteering in our urban fishing program, which temporarily turns a city swimming pool into a trout fishing lake for a weekend. We could always count on Bob to help bait the children’s hooks, untangle their lines and teach them about fishing. 

In 2002, Mr. Meyer was asked to participate on the Senior Advisory Committee, which is comprised of local senior citizens and provides insight, support and ideas for senior programming. He participated in nearly every committee meeting from 2002 until he became ill last year, including a term as chairman from 2004-2007.  

Mr. Meyer loved and supported our many senior programs and, with a cup of coffee in his hand (which is always available for all our seniors), played “42” dominoes every Thursday morning. A fan of the lending library at Southwood Community Center, he also enjoyed sharing a good book. Mr. Meyer unselfishly spent time visiting with city staff members and other senior citizens at all events. 

Dedicated Service

When the city council asked the Senior Advisory Committee to come up with ideas on what a dedicated senior activities center might look like, Mr. Meyer immediately got involved. He worked tirelessly on the dream of a senior center for our community’s older adults and traveled to many cities across Texas with the advisory committee to explore different architectural approaches and review successful programs.  

Mr. Meyer was especially excited to serve on the Citizen Advisory Committee for the 2008 Bond Election. Although the dream of a dedicated senior center didn’t come true during his lifetime, he continually expressed an appreciation to the city for its efforts to provide quality programming and a place for seniors to meet and participate in the programs.

If a single word could describe Mr. Meyer’s relationship with the Parks and Recreation Department, it would be “supportive.” He had a sincere passion for senior programs and offered to do whatever it took to make things successful. He was a wonderful example of an active senior citizen with unique talents and capabilities who chose to regularly use them for his community. 

Thank you, Bob, for your legacy, which was so much more than what you generously provided in your will. You will truly be missed!