MEERS, Dennis Walter

Dennis Walter Meers was born to Elizabeth Mae and Floyd Clifton Meers on December 19, 1950, in Steubenville, Ohio.  Denny, as he was lovingly known, succumbed to a battle with cancer and went to be with the Lord on January 25, 2024, after a period of home hospice. Denny is survived by his three children, Matt, Liz, and Diedre; his brothers Gary (and wife Dolly), Tim (and wife Becki), Kevin (and wife Virginia); and by his devoted wife, Lisa M. Meers, whom he had been married since September 18, 1993. 

Growing up in Northfield, Ohio, Denny graduated from Nordonia High School in 1969, excelling academically and playing on the varsity basketball team. Although his post-graduate plans from high school were to enlist in the Army to serve in Vietnam like his brothers, they urged him to enroll in university instead.  Based on their guidance, Denny pursued higher education and enrolled at Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga, Tennessee.  There, he majored in History and minored in Bible. As an accomplished high school basketball player, Denny was welcomed by the great coach, Bruce Foster, to play for Temple. At Temple, Denny first developed his love for soccer by playing on the university team, carrying these skills into soccer coaching later in life. 

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree from Temple, Denny moved to Ft Lauderdale to start his teaching career. At Gold Coast Christian School, he taught History, and as the Athletic Director, Denny was instrumental in developing the athletics program from its inception. His hard work and dedication resulted in a strong athletics program and elevated his abilities as a mentor and coach to the many students there and subsequent schools. 

Returning to Ohio, Denny worked at Heritage Christian School and, later, at what is now known as Medina Christian Academy. As a history teacher and Athletic Director, Denny developed deep and abiding relationships with students. Beyond his role as educator and coach, Denny fostered character development and personal faith in Jesus in his students and players. Several of his students became lawyers, real estate developers, businessmen, and pastoral leaders. Each carried a love for Christ, which significantly impacted their communities. His passionate commitment to academic excellence and his tenderness in maturing the faith of his students won him the hearts and minds of many who stayed in regular contact with him until his passing. 

Denny began work for USAir in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1988 before transferring to Tampa Airport in 1989. Working there, Denny was once again well-loved and respected for his work ethic and his wonderful sense of humor, which bolstered many tired workmates. Nightshift would never be dull with Denny on the team.  At work in the airport, his charm and playful humor caught the eye of his beloved Lisa, whom he met while working.  It was there that their three-decade-long love affair and happy marriage had their start. Denny remained an employee of USAir until 2002, when the hangar was decommissioned. 

Following USAir, Denny split his time working at the Steinbrenner Stadium in Tampa, home of the Spring Training for the New York Yankees.  Legends Hospitality had found quite a charismatic and skilled employee in Denny Meers.  Apart from his time at the stadium, Denny began a small lawncare business, which he also utilized to bless many in need and to maintain the church grounds where he and Lisa attended. Not only did Denny use his business to be a blessing to others, but he also used his love for God in worship, playing guitar with the church worship team. 

Beyond his love for family, hard work, and selfless service, Denny is well-known for his love for his brothers and their many fishing adventures at Rice Lake in Canada and Chautauqua Lake in New York.  Countless stories of laughter and mayhem trail the four brothers and the many sons and nephews who accompanied them. None were more famous and retold than that of the “Albino Bear” heard squealing with laughter through the fishing camp. 

A side of Denny that is not well-known yet shows the depth of who he was is his love of music and poetry.  His knowledge of history was eclipsed by his recall of music and song lyrics from many genres throughout the decades of his life. He also authored beautiful stanzas of poetry and performed heartfelt worship to the strum of his guitar. Anchored in his love for the Lord, Denny’s heart produced beautiful music and poignant poetry. 

It is a life well-lived that is spent serving others with love and compassion. The legacy left of Dennis Meers’ life is that of many adoring students and families bereaved of his affection and humor, as well as countless stories pouring in from the lives of people who were influenced and touched by his generosity and compassion. We will miss you, Denny, and look forward to reuniting with you in the glorious presence of Our Savior Jesus Christ! 

A Celebration of Life will be given for Denny. Information for it is as follows:
Date: Feb. 24, 2024
Place: Creekside Church, 311 Newberger Rd, Lutz, FL 33549
Visitation from 10-1100 (EST)
Celebration of life @1100-12:00 (EST)
Light food will be served after the program. Please feel free to bring a dessert to share.