Paul D. Meeks rescued Daniel Richman from burning, Port Orange, Florida, November 1, 2006. Richman, 37, was the student pilot of a twin-engine airplane that crashed during a training flight. The craft landed upright in a field in a residential area and caught fire, with flames quickly spreading in the fuselage. Richman was rendered unconscious in the accident and remained strapped to his seat. In his nearby residence, Meeks, 63, retired service technician, heard the crash. After reporting it, he ran to the scene, where through an open door in the plane he saw Richman moving. Despite the advancing flames, Meeks reached into the craft and attempted to release Richman’s safety belt. He withdrew to obtain a knife, then re-entered, flames having spread to Richman’s clothing. After cutting the belt, Meeks grasped Richman, pulled him from the plane, and dragged him to safety. Badly injured and burned, Richman was taken to the hospital, where he died a few hours later. Meeks sustained minor burns to his hands and was treated at the scene. He recovered.
79847-9133Obituary
Paul D. Meeks, 82, of Daytona Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2025.
Paul was born on April 6, 1943, in Middletown, Ohio. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967. In 1972, he moved to Daytona Beach, Florida, and began working for Southern Bell Telephone Company, where he met his wife of 48 years, Linda.
Paul enjoyed going on cruises with his family and was an avid fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Ohio State Buckeyes.
Throughout his life, Paul demonstrated courage and selflessness. In 1967, as a lifeguard in Middletown, Ohio, he saved a drowning victim and was awarded a hero medallion. In 2006, he risked his life attempting to save two victims from a burning plane crash and was honored with the Carnegie Hero Fund Commission Medal.
He is survived by his wife, Linda; four children, Tammy (Doug), Ronnie (Elaine), Eric, and Jennifer (Chris); six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.