John Vance Meyers

Colonel (Ret.) John Vance Meyers, 84, husband of Alvilda Propes Meyers, passed away Sunday, January 18, 2026, at his home.
Born on January 30, 1941, in San Jacinto, CA, he was the son of the late John Tortes Meyers and the late Emma Ann Rice Meyers. With over three decades of service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve, Col. Meyers held command roles in Special Forces and the Special Operations Command, completing two tours in Vietnam and serving in Desert Storm. In Vietnam, he flew “Bird Dogs” as a forward air controller on the Laos and Cambodia borders. Often under fire in his missions, he was known for his courage, resilience and warrior spirit. He departed the military, highly decorated, earning seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, and the Legion of Merit, among other awards and decorations.
In 1991, he was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor under Secretary Elizabeth Dole, where he contributed to national workforce initiatives and policy. As a senior executive servant, he was known for his ability to implement commonsense conservative initiatives.
After his military retirement in 1997, Col. Meyers pivoted to business and tribal development. He served as President & CEO of Native American Industrial Distributors, Inc. for 14 years and later became CEO and Managing Member of IVA’AL Solutions, LLC, a tribal enterprise supporting his tribe, the Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians. His mission was to stand up a tribally owned business that would promote economic self-sufficiency and sovereign empowerment for the tribe.
He was also appointed U.S. Army Ambassador for Maryland, where he continued his commitment to military advocacy and leadership development.
Col. Meyers held a Master’s in National Strategic Studies from the National War College and a Bachelor’s degree from Wofford College.
Above all, he was known as a visionary, team builder, and servant-leader whose dedication to country, tribe, and family left a legacy of purpose and honor.
Survivors include his wife, Alvilda Propes Meyers; five children, Bryan Meyers (Kathryn), Mary Christine Canchela, Ronye Ann Meyers, John Jeremy Meyers (Ivorie) and Felicite Hawkins (John); 22 grandchildren, Leah Meyers, Lauren Hiatt, Alexandria Nuñez, Amy Meyers, Christopher Hernandez, Benjamin Hernandez, Cody Hines, Faith Hines, Samantha Meyers, Jacob Meyers, Jason Meyers, Ethan Maxwell, Penelope Meyers, Olivia Meyers, Rowan Meyers, Luke Meyers, Jalen Hawkins, John Kassar, Brandon Hawkins, Karlee Hawkins, Cleve Hawkins and Omega Hawkins; 9 great grandchildren; one brother, Gary Meyers; one special niece, Ann Margaret Meyers; and numerous other nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in a death by a granddaughter, Sophia Meyers; and a sister, Shanna Meyers.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Friday, January 23, 2026, at Pawleys Island Community Church. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Elmwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Pawleys Island Community Church, Make Room Fund, 10304 Ocean Hwy Pawley Island, SC 29585.
Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com