Phil Meyers died on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 in Colorado. Services will be held at a later day.

Phil Meyers was born on January 25, 1944 in Pierre, SD during a South Dakota blizzard, to Walter and Olga Meyers. After being discharged from the hospital, he and his mother completed the last miles of their journey home in a horse drawn sleigh because the snow was so deep and impassible for vehicles. He grew up on a ranch in Moenville.

During his early years, his mother, Olga, often made him perform for various events. This built a strong foundation to build upon when he later sang and spoke at countless weddings, graduations and funerals. Phil also enjoyed acting in school plays throughout high school. He was in chorus in high school and college. Later, as a teacher at Midland, he played the part of Finian in the musical Finian’s Rainbow and took part in the musical Lil’ Abner. Phil inherited a love of dancing from his father, who passed when he was only 2 years-old. Phil loved to dance and never missed a dance in Hayes or Midland, even returning from college to attend. He used his excellent dancing skills to win many dance competitions.

One of Phil’s favorite things to do while growing up was riding horseback in the spring of the year. He would ride along creek bottoms, taking in the beauty of the blossoming choke cherry and plum trees and listening to the sounds of the many newborn calves. He enjoyed working on the Roseth Ranch, and continued to do so until he went to college.

Phil attended grade school (1st-8th grades) in rural Moenville schools taught by his mother. He attended Little Eagle, Kuhl and Stony Butte Schools. Phil then attended Midland High School, where he graduated in 1962. He went on to Black Hills State University where he graduated in the summer of 1970 in the same graduating class as his mother! She received her Masters Degree and Phil received his Bachelor’s Degree. While earning his degree, Phil began his lifelong passion for teaching in 1962. He taught grades 4-8 at Ottumwa, SD in a two-room rural school. During the summer break, he continued his college education. Upon earning his degree, Phil began teaching at Midland High School. This is where he met the love of his life, Bernie Valentine.

Phil and Bernie often told the story of planning their wedding on a bar napkin. Making those plans into reality, they were married in 1972. From that union, 3 children were born- Darron Scott, Dana Sue and Damon Shawn. Anyone who knew Phil knew that his children were the center of his universe. The three of them have countless stories of him cooking family dinners, shopping for Prom dresses with Dana, attending countless basketball games for Damon and crying at the airport gate as he sent Darron off to serve in the Army. Some of his favorite memories are of gathering around the piano, as his wife played and his children, grandchildren and friends sang. Phil’s children always knew that their Dad was only a phone call away, and when they were away they could always depend on weekly or even daily handwritten letters from him and care packages filled with their favorite treats. Those letters are cherished to this day because they display the beautiful script that Phil was so proud of.

Phil also made time for his career and excelled at it. In 1976, he became the Business Manager for the newly formed Stanley County Schools. This was short-lived, as he longed to be back in the classroom, impacting students. That longing took him to Timberlake, where he taught for 2 years. It is there that he made many lifelong friendships with his colleagues and students. Phil then taught at Stanley County for 20 years, where he retired in May 1999. By June of that same year, Phil longed to be back with children, so he signed a new contract at Pierre Indian Learning Center. He served as Librarian there for 4 years. In 2004, Phil felt a calling to begin his tenure at Lower Brule. He served as a Counselor there and felt the impact of his life more strongly than ever before. His favorite moments in education came from counseling Native American youth in Lower Brule. He was proudly known by many of those students as “Uncle”, or “Grandpa”- which in Native American culture is a sign of respect and acceptance. This was made more evident by being the chosen Commencement speaker by 3 senior classes and the 16 Star Quilts he was given throughout his tenure. His final speech was delivered when Phil’s health was declining. The strength and courage that he showed to Lower Brule was met by a standing ovation that lasted minutes. The Native American community that he served honored him with the ultimate gift when they gave his Indian name- Wakanyeja Ki Waciniyanpi which in English means “The Children Depend on You”. The honor was bestowed on him at the Sundance, which he was honored to be a part of.

It was not only Phil’s children and students who depended on him. His grandchildren were also a huge part of his life. From the beginning, Phil was rocking them and singing to them. He would often spend summers in Colorado to be able to spend time with his grandsons. Phil loved to brag about his grandchildren to all who would listen. He often published stories about them in the Midland newspaper to highlight their accomplishments. He was always the first to tell them how proud he was of them and offer his help. When his oldest grandson bought his own home, Phil was there to help pull up carpet and paint. He could also be found on the boat with his grandchildren, or just hanging out. He made it a point to visit those who live in Pierre every day, and they gladly went to visit and offer to help around the house, or rides to countless doctor appointments. The role of Bahpa was one that Phil took seriously and it showed- right down to his license plates!

In addition to his educational career, Phil also served as a Driver’s Education Teacher for many years. He also worked a part-time job at Capital Area Counseling for 23 years while teaching. In his spare time, he enjoyed gardening, which was evident by the beautiful yard that Phil kept; playing cards; drawing and traveling. Phil and Bernie traveled together to 46 states. One of his greatest regrets was not making it to those last 4. One of his favorite roles was that of fan. He attended as many of his student’s and grandchildren’s sporting events as possible, often driving hours to watch. They could always tell when Phil was in attendance because his cheering could be heard over all others.

Phil spent his final months with his sons in Colorado. Dana and her children joined him there in his final weeks. The impact that he made on so many was evident in the number of visitors and phone calls he received. Many called to thank him, encourage him and let him know how he had impacted their lives. Phil listened intently to those conversations and they brought him peace. It is what Phil gave those callers that truly illustrates who he was. Every caller or visitor ended the visit with a feeling of contentment that only Phil could give. Right up to the end, Phil embodied his given Indian name, because everyone depended on him to let them know that he was at peace with what was coming. That sense of peace was Phil’s final gift to so many, including his children, their spouses and his grandchildren, who gathered around him to escort him to the hands of his Creator, parents, wife and so many friends who had gone before him.

Phil fought a valiant battle with cancer for over 10 years. He finally surrendered on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. He is preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Olga Meyers, his wife Bernie Meyers, and countless family and friends. Phil is survived by his sister Sonia Nemec, his children Darron (Peg) Meyers, Dana Malfero and Damon (Sarah) Meyers. He is also survived by his grandchildren Kenzie Lee, Miquaid Meyers, Trenton Meyers, Daulton Meyers, Brant Malfero, Rylan Malfero, Brodie Malfero, Alex Malfero, Dakota Meyers, Kendyl Meyers, Alexis Mottern and Jake Mottern and countless relatives and friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank all who called, visited, sent flowers and food and especially sent prayers. We also thank Lori Jewett, his former student, neighbor and dear family friend who helped to care for and keep him company for many years. Thank you to his team of doctors and nurses. A special thanks to Center Care Hospice in Pueblo, CO, Melanie Marvin, CNA who went above and beyond with his care and Phil’s angel of a nurse, Michelle Wold, who prayed with him and guided the family through our most difficult moments.

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