Douglas Dean Meyer

Douglas Dean Meyer passed away April 23, 2025, at his home from a heart condition. He was born in Yakima, Washington on September 13, 1946.

He lived his teenage years in California. He loved to swim and surf. He was active in band and choir. The band performed all over including in the Rose Parade and at Disney Land. He continued to sing for different events the rest of his life.

He joined the United States Air Force as soon as he graduated high school. His first base of duty was Mountain Home.

He married Caroline Lemon in Mountain Home. His first daughter Stephanie was born in Fairbanks, Alaska. His second child, Greg, was born at Scott Airforce Base in Illinois. Doug was sent to Vietnam right after Greg’s birth. Heather his youngest was born in Germany where Doug was stationed for 8 years. German was Doug’s first language, so he enjoyed the time served there.

He was always involved with kids. He was a Boy Scout leader wherever he lived, including Germany. He was a foster parent to Chris Deary for several years.

After serving for 20 years in the Air Force, Doug retired as a Master Seargent. He then went into long haul trucking, which took him away from family too long at a time.

He and his wife Caroline operated 3 childcare facilities in Mountain Home. The Other Mother, The Other Mother II and Building Blocks Academy. He and Caroline divorced.

His last full-time job was with the state of Idaho Department of Labor. This is where he met Vivian Gottsch. He was in charge of the H2 program which led him all over Elmore and part of Owyhee County where he checked the workers housing and their jobs. He was very linguistic and had no trouble communicating with any of the workers. He also had a yard business on the side while working for the state.

Doug married Vivian Gottsch on July 13, 1996. Between Doug and Vivian, they have seven children. None of the kids lived at home by the time Doug and Vivian married but kids and grandkids tended to cycle in and out of the house for periods of time over the years.

Doug and Vivian purchased a house on an acre lot outside of Mountain Home. This kept Doug busy over the years as he raised calves, sheep and boarded his brother-in-law’s horses.

Doug and Vivian worked in the harvest of grain, potatoes and sugar beets until Doug’s health prevented him from climbing in and out of a truck.

Doug was elected to the Western Elmore County Recreation Board where he served until his health failed him to the point he resigned his position.

Doug loved golf. He had a set of golf clubs built just for him. His favorite vacation was to Billings Montana to play golf with his brothers.

He went fishing every chance he got. Memorial Day weekend we would spend a few days camping and fishing at Castle Creek in Owyhee County.

He never missed a chance to watch the grand kids in their events – dance recitals, soccer, baseball, football and especially rodeos.

His favorite football team was the Minnesota Vikings – his favorite color purple.

He is survived by his sons: Greg Meyer, Jim Pepin, Dan Gottsch; daughters: Dorothy Scott, Stephanie Meyer, Heather Slaughter; brothers: Stan Meyer and Calvin Meyer. He was preceded in death by his daughter: Racheal Jacobsen; brothers: Mike Meyer and Greg Meyer.

He was always joking and fun to be around. He loved kids, especially his 13 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was a member of the night community church in Grandview.

A funeral service will be held 11:00 am Tuesday May 6, 2025, at Valley Christian Fellowship, 37866 Hwy 78, Grandview ID.

Memorial donation can be made in his name to the Western Elmore County Recreation general fund.