Bill Medin Meyer

Bill Medin Meyer, 72, died Tuesday, September 17, 2019 at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice State Veterans Home in Hot Springs, SD from Alzheimer ’s disease. 

Bill was born April 23, 1947 in Sioux Falls, SD to Raymond Warren and Valerie Estelle (Medin) Meyer. He was the oldest of four sons, joined by brothers Robert (Bobby), Vaughn, and Lynn. 

Bill attended grade school in rural Perkins County. He graduated from Lemmon High School in 1965. He attended one semester of college at South Dakota State University in 1965, mastering bowling class and hops testing. 

Bill voluntarily enlisted in the United States Army in June 1967, completing Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was trained as a radio mechanic. He attained an expert rifle marksmanship qualification badge, the highest grade awarded. He served two tours in Vietnam in 1968-1969, attached to the 281st Assault Helicopter Company, in the 5th Special Forces Group, Reconnaissance as a helicopter door gunner, attaining the rank of Sergeant. In addition to receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bill was also a recipient of The Air Medal on May 9, 1970; awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight in more than 25 missions over hostile territory in support of combat ground forces on June 12-19, 1969. He transferred to the United States Army Reserves in March 1970 and was honorably discharged on April 19, 1973. 

Upon returning home from Vietnam, Bill resumed work on the family ranch, Sodak Angus, in Sorum, SD from 1970-1975. During that time, he was joined in marriage to Robin Jean Hanson on September 12, 1974. 

Bill began piloting airplanes at age 16, and he obtained his private pilot’s license in 1972. Bill and Robin moved to San Diego, CA in 1975, where Bill attended Gibbs Flight School. He earned his commercial pilot’s license with commercial multi-engine and instrument ratings. Bill and Robin owned and operated Lemmon Aircraft Corporation at the Lemmon Municipal Airport from 1975-1980. Bill also owned a commercial dealership for Bellanca aircraft. It will come as no surprise to those who knew of his linguistic aptitude and charming personality that he held the record for selling the most Bellanca aircraft in the U.S. in 1976. 

Bill and Robin moved to Rapid City, SD in 1980, and Bill became owner/operator of Meyer Trucking, later moving to St. Onge, SD. Designated by a niece as, “Shiny Bill” for the cleanliness of his trucking equipment, there was nothing Bill didn’t believe could be improved upon or repaired with a tube of silicone, roll of duct tape, and a can of chrome spray paint. Bill retired from trucking in 2006 due to his health, but his legend and lore live on in the hearts and minds of those with whom he crossed paths during his trucking days. 

Bill and Robin raised two daughters, Koral and Misti. Bill took joy in having the girls on the road with him in the truck, teaching them basic mechanic skills, demonstrating the pivot kick as a self-defense tool (leading to the loss of his watch when the kick was then practiced), waking them at midnight for ice cream when he came in from weeks on the road, demanding farming corners of them when the lawn was mowed, being at the receiving end of brutal April Fools pranks, showing them how fast his Corvette could go, and ensuring that one should always “just do it, and then beg for forgiveness later.” It was a highlight for Bill to attend the Vietnam War Memorial ceremony and weekend festivities in Pierre, SD in September 2006 with his family, including his one-year-old granddaughter. 

Bill enjoyed reading, playing cards, listening to 60s and 70s rock music, taking his grandkids to Walmart for toy shopping, and harassing his friends and family over a cup of coffee. He will be fondly remembered for his sense of humor, learning the hard way that steaks should not be barbecued with diesel fuel as the starter, intelligence, generosity, and mischievous smirk. 

Bill is survived by his daughters, Misti Meyer, Tempe, AZ and Koral (Dusty) Olson, Rapid City, SD; the mother of his two children, Robin Meyer, Spearfish, SD; grandchildren, Ava and Jett Olson, Rapid City, SD; brother, Vaughn (Lois) Meyer, Reva, SD; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Robert (Bobby) Meyer. 

Bill requested a funeral not be held. A private inurnment with Military Funeral Honors will take place at the Black Hills National Cemetery. 

The family suggests memorials to the “Veterans Lane and Old Glory Activities Fund” at the Michael J. Fitzmaurice Veterans Home, located at 2500 Minnekahta Ave., Hot Springs, SD 57747. Bill’s family will forever be grateful for the compassionate and dignified care he received there.

Friends and family may sign his online guestbook and leave written condolences for the family at blackhillsfuneralhome.com.