David H. Meeks, age 78, with his family by his side, passed peacefully at home Sunday, Dec. 31, 2023. David was born in Kirksville, Mo., on May 28, 1945, to Kenneth Harold Meeks and Wava Mae (Grindstaff).
David is predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Wava and his brother Bobbie Dean Meeks.
He is survived by his wife Judy (Huyck) of Walton, son Michael (Heather) of Cornish, N.H., son Bryan of Conklin, and daughter Sarah (Eric) of Walton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren.
David graduated from Milan High School, Milan, Mo., in 1963. After graduation, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps where he attained the rank of Sergeant (E-5). David is a Vietnam War veteran serving one tour of duty in Da Nang in 1966. It was at this time when he met the love of his life, Judy, through a letter to deployed Marines exchange program.
David and Judy were married at the First United Methodist Church in Walton on July 25, 1970, after which, they settled briefly in Liberty, Mo., where David served as a Clay County Deputy Sheriff in the Kansas City metro area. They relocated back to Walton in 1974 to raise their family. David was employed by S.J. Bailey and Sons as the personnel manager until retirement in 1999.
David will be remembered by his family as a man of strong convictions with meticulous attention to detail who believed and taught that “things worth doing, were worth doing right.” No task was too small, and he welcomed each as a challenge and opportunity to learn something new. When he wasn’t busy with projects around the home, David enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, and going on family camping outings. He was fiercely devoted to his family and was always there to look after his children and grandchildren when needed.
Contributions in the memory of David Harold Meeks may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 / woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or to the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 / stjude.org/donate
Calling hours will be Friday, Jan. 5 from at 6-8 p.m. at the Courtney Funeral Home in Walton. A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 101 North St, Walton, Saturday, Jan. 6 at 11 a.m.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, 25 Townsend St, Walton.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com
