Obituaries - Tuesday, June 16
Frank A. Meyer
January 30, 1939 - June 13, 2026
Frank Meyer, formerly of Herington and a resident of Salina since June 2025, passed away on June 13, 2026, at the age of 87. Born on January 30, 1939, and raised on the family farm south of Latimer, Kansas, Frank was the son of A.W. and Lydia (Harmon) Meyer.
Frank attended country school near Latimer before continuing his education in Herington. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Latimer and remained active in Lutheran church life throughout his years.
As a young adult, Frank served in leadership roles within the Lutheran Walther League, including as Kansas District President. Through his church involvement, he met Shirley Faulk of Salina, who became the love of his life. They were married in 1964 and shared 61 years of marriage and faithful partnership.
Frank proudly served his country in the Kansas Army National Guard during the Vietnam era. Following Basic Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he attended the Army Ordnance Welding School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where he graduated with honors. He continued his National Guard service for six years.
Following his military service, Frank farmed near Latimer and worked at Ehrsam & Sons Manufacturing Company in Abilene. Frustrated with throwing hay bales by hand, he designed and patented an eight-bale hay accumulator, an invention that reflected the ingenuity and problem-solving mindset that would later lead him to found his own company.
In 1977, Frank and Shirley founded CMF (Custom Metal Fabricators, Inc.—or “Couldn’t Make It Farming,” depending on whom you asked) in Herington. The company remains family-owned and operated by the second and third generations. Frank’s strong work ethic and commitment to quality helped build a successful business and lasting legacy.
Beyond his business accomplishments, Frank was deeply committed to serving his church, community, and state. He taught and held numerous leadership positions within the Lutheran Church, served on the Board of Directors for Camp Tomah Shinga, and was a member of the Herington Public School Board of Education. He was appointed by the Governor of Kansas to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks Commission and served as Chairman of the Board of the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He also helped establish the Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center at Kansas State University and served on its board. Throughout his life, Frank received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his leadership, service, and contributions to Kansas industry and community development.
Known for his quiet leadership, unwavering faith, and devotion to family, Frank embodied the values of hard work and service passed down through generations. He took great pride in sharing family history and life lessons with his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered for his integrity, kindness, sense of humor, and steadfast example.
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; children Paul (Sandy) Meyer and Ben (Kristi) Meyer, both of Herington, Kathy (John) Fennell of Fort Collins, Colorado, Kris (Ed) Neff of Salina, and Philip (Tabitha) Meyer of Fairway, Kansas; and niece Heidi Brown (Howard Glanton) of Salina.
He is also survived by grandchildren Jerico (Layla) Meyer, Mindy (Eric) Kirk, Jake (Haley) Meyer, Cara (Anthony) Gutsch, Abigail Fennell (Matt Stephens), Rachel (Andy) Chapman, Laura Neff, John Neff, Sam Neff, Milly Meyer, Teddy Meyer, Lucy Meyer, Gabe Grant, Elias (Sadie) Grant, Noah Grant, and Sarah Brown; great-grandchildren Haley (Trenton) Milspaugh, Gracie Meyer, Annalee Meyer, Wylie Meyer, Priest Kirk, Sentry Kirk, Harper Gutsch, Hudson Meyer, Aidan Chapman, Preston Chapman, Coleman Grant, and Scottie Grant; and great-great-grandson Colter Milspaugh.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings Marjorie Beasley, Bill Meyer, and John Meyer; and other loved ones who welcomed him into eternal life.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Frank’s steadfast faith sustained him throughout his life and now carries him home to the Lord he faithfully served.
Funeral services will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 743 E. Magnolia Road, Salina, Kansas, on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with a luncheon and celebration to follow. Inurnment will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Latimer Cemetery, 896 2825 Road, Herington, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Frank & Shirley Meyer Scholarship Fund, c/o Community Foundation of Dickinson County, 201 NW 2nd St., Suite B, Abilene, KS 67410.
Ryan Mortuary