[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 127 (Wednesday, October 2, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1725]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING KEN MEYER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 1, 2002

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ken Meyer, a Southwest 
Missourian who has championed his alma mater, volunteered his 
leadership to worthy causes and has entertained and informed the region 
via radio. Though his voice is not on the radio, his stations have been 
a long-trusted source of information about government, politics, 
business and sports for more than four decades.
  Ken and Jane Meyer have had a passion for radio, Southwest Missouri 
State University (SMSU) and each other. Their marriage partnership 
began in 1959. This partnership has paid great dividends to SMSU, and 
the success of their radio properties has enriched the lives of 
countless people in our region. Sadly, Jane passed away earlier this 
year.
  Ken Meyer graduated from what is now Southwest Missouri State 
University in 1950 after serving two years in the military at the end 
of World War II. Mt. Vernon High School graduates, Ken and Jane got 
into the radio broadcasting business when KTXR–FM went on the air 
in 1962. It was a gamble in the early 60s. FM radio was new and there 
were few receivers. AM radio ruled the air waves then, but the Meyers 
were in the vanguard of change. By the 1980's FM radio had established 
its dominance. Today, Meyer Broadcasting has stations in four markets, 
but the flagship station remains in Springfield.
  Ken and Jane made their broadcasting stations a great success. With 
the “Gentle Giant” as they dubbed KTXR, Ken and Jane 
developed close ties with their listeners by broadcasting St. Louis 
Cardinal's baseball, big band hits and easy listening music.
  Ken also uses his radio power to promote SMSU. For example, his radio 
stations became some of the first to regularly broadcast women's 
college basketball, along with the men's schedule.
  The Meyers have shared their good fortune with charitable groups and 
with SMSU, which named Ken their “Outstanding Alumni” in 
1985. The Meyers have established endowments for academic and athletic 
scholarships. They are givers to capital projects on the campus 
including the David Glass Hall, Juanita Hammons Hall for the Performing 
Arts, the Wehr Band Hall, and the Robert Plaster Sports Complex. 
Earlier this year, the Kenneth E. and Jane A. Meyer Foundation provided 
funding for a carillon that was added to an expansion of the 
university's library. Dedicated in the name of Jane Meyer, the 48-bell 
(four octaves) musical instrument sits atop a 140 foot tall bell tower 
on the campus.
  Ken continues to give of his time to important personal priorities. 
He has served on the Blue Cross-Blue Shield of St. Louis Board for 15 
years and has been a longtime member of the Board of Trustees for 
Westminster College. He also established a foundation at Covenant 
Presbyterian Church where he is a long time member. He has served on 
the Cox Health System Board of Directors, was a founder of the First 
City National Bank and was a Regent at Southwest Baptist University.
  Ken's philosophy may be best captured in a Vince Lombardi poster that 
declares “Winning is a habit.” Ken Meyer has certainly 
lived a life as a champion of causes. He may be the most enthusiastic 
supporter that Southwest Missouri State University has ever had.
  On the occasion of Ken's 75th birthday on October 14, I wish to thank 
him for his untiring work for the community and alma mater; thank him 
for the beautiful music originating from the Jane Meyer Carillon; and 
thank him for bringing dependable information and entertainment to his 
countless listeners.

                          ____________________