Clarence E. Meeks saved Walter Burke from drowning, Loudonville, Ohio, July 7, 1982. Burke, 64, was thrown into the fast-flowing Black Fork River when his canoe tipped. The current carried him to an overhanging branch about 25 feet from the bank. Despite having a heart condition, Meeks, 57, retired truck driver, ran to the edge of the river and jumped in. He swam to Burke and held him as the current carried them downstream. Meeks grabbed a branch ten feet from the bank. He held onto it until a man threw a rope and pulled both Meeks and Burke to the bank. Burke recovered after a brief hospital stay.
58621 – 6715
58621-6715Obituary
Clarence “Red” Meeks, age 88, of Swanton, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday July 19, 2013, surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 13, 1925 to the late J.O. and Rosetta (Foster) Meeks. He married Leone Young on January 9, 1946. He was a graduate of Liberty Center High School. He was a WWII Veteran in the Navy (CB). He was employed by Libbey Owens Ford for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post in Grand Rapids, Ohio. To pass his time, he also farmed, drove truck, split firewood, and raised livestock after his retirement. He also drove his son’s grain truck to the Liberty Center Elevator for several years. Red enjoyed having breakfast at Charlie’s Restaurant with many of his friends. He spent many winters in Florida with his Lovely Bride with visits from lots of family members. He is survived by his wife and children; Connie (Wayne) Donaghue, Carol (Ron) Echler, Cheryl (Frank) Chapa, Cindy Meeks, Danny (Tammy) Meeks, 12 Grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, twin sisters, Dorothy Smalley and Thelma Booth, and many other friends and family members. Also surviving are his two furrbabies, “Tigger” and “Mokey.” He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Homer Rhubright, J.O. Meeks, Al Meeks, Royal Meeks, William Meeks, John Meeks, Geneva Wright, Anna Smith, Martha, and Roseva Casagrande. Friends will be received from 2-4 and 6-8 PM on Monday, July 22, 2013 at Barnes Funeral Chapel, 5825 St Hwy 109, Delta, Ohio 43515; where a funeral service honoring Red’s life will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday also at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens in Waterville. Pastor Chuck Whitmire will be officiating. Those wishing a show of sympathy are asked to consider contributions to the family, with a choice of charity to be decided at a later date. Please visit www.barnesfuneralchapel.com to send condolences to Red’s family.