Rayfield M. Meyer

Today, we celebrate the incredible life of Rayfield Meyer.   Born on July 10, 1924, in Sioux City, Iowa.

Ray attended Central High School and enlisted in the US Army at 17.  Serving in the 3rd Armored Division, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment during World War II. He participated in significant campaigns in Europe, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge, earning a Silver Star and two Purple Hearts for his bravery.

Before the war, Ray played baseball on a team sponsored by Olson Sporting Goods in Sioux City and worked in the meat packing houses during the offseason to stay in shape for football. After the war, baseball opportunities were harder to find, but Ray’s passion never waned.

Ray’s war stories are as vivid as ever. As a member of the 3rd Armored Division, he landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy just days after D-Day. His unit, “Spearhead,” fought through France, Belgium, and into Germany. He was injured in the Battle of the Bulge on January 3, 1945, but chose to rejoin his squad despite being offered a chance to return home. Ray earned the Silver Star for his bravery involving a sniper, saving many lives. He named his Army rifle “Lois” after a high school sweetheart, and reflects about wartime, “It doesn’t take long to get old."

After the war, Ray returned to Iowa and married the “love of his life” Vicki in January 1948 at the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Sioux City. Vicki had served in Colorado Springs during the war, working for officers at Camp Carson. In 1970, they moved their family to Northglenn, CO, and later to Littleton, where they bought one of the first homes in the Melody Hills neighborhood. Ray and Vicki had four children Denise, Craig, Cindy and Kirk. Vicki passed away in 2007, and three of their children, Cindy, Craig and Kirk, have also passed. Ray remained in this home until entering his eternal home.  Ray and Vicki were married for 60 wonderful years.

He was a successful business owner and continued to run it until he was 89.  His customers and vendors revered him. He was also a key figure in the local softball community. He managed many championship teams, with second base and the double-play being his specialties. Ray was a founding member of the Lakewood 50+ softball league and played until the age of 91. Besides baseball, Ray enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family in the Colorado outdoors.

Ray’s life of service, dedication, love for family, friends and community continues to inspire.

Meyer, Vivienne Florence Jolin 80, of Littleton, passed away Sept. 14, 2007. She is survived by her Husband Rayfield; daughters Cynthia Meyer and Denise (Lon) Zeigler; sons Kirk (Inez) Meyer and Craig Meyer; grandchildren Angela Law, Jon Law and Karlton Meyer; 4 great grandchildren.