Richard J. Meyer, age 74, of Quincy, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, in Blessing Hospital. Rich was born on June 26, 1946, in Quincy, to Leonard and Virginia (Frericks) Meyer.

He married Linda K. Budde on July 11, 1970, in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church. They celebrated 50 years of marriage this past July. She survives.

Rich attended high school at Liberty High School. After graduating high school, Rich proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His time in the Marines, which included service in Vietnam, was transformative to his life, and he remained passionate about Veteran’s causes until late in life.

After returning home, Rich attended Quincy University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree; he later earned his Master’s degree from Western Illinois University.

He began his career at Camp Point Central High School in 1973 where in the early years he coached football, boys basketball, and golf and taught history and drivers education. He subsequently coached girls volleyball and softball, where he found his true passion. He went on to become a celebrated and accomplished volleyball coach. He coached at many area schools including Camp Point Central, Barry, Quincy Notre Dame, Liberty, Culver Stockton College, and ended his career at Unity High School. He led his teams to over 800 wins in high school volleyball and is a member of the Illinois Coaches Association Softball Hall of Fame.

He deeply cared about his children and was proud of their many accomplishments. He also had a special relationship with his granddaughter, Zadie, and enjoyed going to Florida to watch her play volleyball. He especially loved traveling with his family, including many trips all over the United States and internationally.

Beyond his career and his love for his family, Rich had many interests, including golfing, bowling, fishing, traveling and collecting coins. He never missed an opportunity to visit historical sites. He also enjoyed his annual fishing trip with his brothers and brothers-in-law.

Rich impacted many lives over the years, and he will be dearly missed.

In addition to his wife, Linda, survivors include their three children: Kristina Stratton, and her husband, John, of Spring Hill, FL; Craig Meyer, and his partner, Jason Kertz, of Chicago, IL; and Alex Meyer, and his husband, Austin Kollefrath, of Seattle, WA. A granddaughter, Zadrianna Garofano, of Spring Hill, FL.

His siblings: Carol Wehner, and her husband, Robert, of San Antonio, TX; Leonard “Jack” Meyer, and his wife, Theresa, of St. Peters, MO; Darlene Leithoff and her husband, Johnnie, of Quincy; Rita Schulze of Quincy; James Meyer, and his wife, Charolette, of Fowler, IL; Susan Schoonover, and her husband, Steve, of Quincy;

Andrew “Andy” Meyer, and his wife, Tammy, of Quincy; Ann Peck, and her significant other, Randy Stark, of Quincy. A brother-in-law, Fred Budde, of Quincy, and a sister-in-law, Barbara Arndt, of Jefferson City, MO. Many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews also survive.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law, Herbert and Katherine Budde, two sisters, Patricia Requet and Judith Eschman, a brother-in law, John Ardnt, and a sister-in-law, Saran Budde.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, April 10, 2021, at 12:00 p.m. in St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church by Rev. David Beagles. Private interment with military honors will be in Sunset Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday morning from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services at St. Francis. The family respectfully asks that those attending the services please wear a face mask and follow distancing guidelines.
Memorials may be made to the Marine Toys for Tots. Arrangements in care of Duker & Haugh Funeral Home.