A legend in the local broadcasting industry has died at the age of 94.

Ken Meyer owned KWTO, KTXR and KBFL radio stations, forming Meyer Communications in 1962, along with his late wife, Jane.

Meyer bought KTXR in 1959, adding KWTO AM/FM in 1995 and KBFL in 2000.

Meyer Communications signed on the first UHF television station in Springfield, KMTC (now KOZL).

The Meyer’s success in broadcasting allowed them to generously give back to their community.

Their gifts focused on higher education, the arts and various health organizations.

Jane Meyer died in 2002, but her influence in the company continued to be felt for another two decades.

In July, 2020, Zimmer Communications purchased the stations from Meyer.

Ken Meyer told friends and business associates that, in honor of KTXR’s radio frequency, he had every intention of living to 101.3.

Visitation for Ken Meyer will be held Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home on east Seminole in Springfield.

The funeral will be held Saturday morning at 10 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springfield.

Missouri State University is remembering Ken Meyer, sending out this news release Monday afternoon:

Missouri State remembers supporter and friend Kenneth E. Meyer

SPRINGFIELD – The Missouri State University community mourns the loss of long-time supporter and friend Kenneth E. Meyer, who died July 17 at the age of 94.

“Ken Meyer was an icon in Springfield,” Missouri State President Clif Smart said. “He started as a Missouri State student and grew a radio empire in the area. He always supported his alma mater.”

Meyer graduated from Missouri State in 1950 with a bachelor’s degree in business education. He was the founder and CEO of Meyer Communications, which operated several radio stations in the region. One such station, KTXR, is the flagship station for Missouri State athletics and was the first to broadcast women’s college basketball at MSU.

He served on numerous boards and councils, including as a member and chairman of the Missouri State University Foundation Board of Directors and member of the College of Business Administration Advisory Council.

Meyer and his wife, Jane, were longtime supporters of higher education and Missouri State. Two campus buildings bear their names: The Jane A. Meyer Carillon at Meyer Library and the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center in downtown Springfield.

“I think it’s appropriate that our office works in the Kenneth E. Meyer Alumni Center,” said Brent Dunn, executive director of the Missouri State Foundation. “He helped us so much both financially and with his expertise in business.”

Meyer received the Bronze Bear award from Missouri State in 2004 and the Outstanding Missourian Award from the Missouri House of Representatives in 2005.