Charles L. Meek, age 91, a resident of Chillicothe, Missouri, passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at his residence.
Charles was born on December 23, 1932, to Mary and Paul Meek of Melbourne, Missouri. He was the oldest of four children, Kenneth, Larry and Kathy. He is survived by his brother Larry Meek, his three daughters, Sherie (Dale) Pepper of Newman, Georgia, Cindy Glidewell of Chillicothe, Missouri, and Melanie (Randy) Mathews of Colorado Springs, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Matthew Glidewell, Jennifer Glidewell Ledden (Adam), Andrew (Shanna), Kaitlin and Abigail Pepper, Kayla Mathews Perez (Brad) and Ryan Mathews (Callan) and a step great grandson, Jackson Ledden. He has four great grandchildren, Brooks and Presley Pepper and Conway and Palmer Perez as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Charles graduated from Gilman City High School and after spending four years in the Air Force as a military policeman, he attended NW Missouri State University where he earned a BS in History. Charles was a dedicated educator in the Chillicothe School system for 33 years, where he taught high school History and coached basketball. He followed that up as the Jr. High Principal. He also spent many summers roofing houses with his brother, Larry. The majority of his career was spent as the Chillicothe High School Principal, He had been approached to become the Superintendent of Schools but declined the offer. His heart was in serving the students directly. He obtained his Master’s degree at NE Missouri State, currently known as Truman State University, as well as his Specialist Degree from the University of Missouri.
Charles married Patricia Thompson, from Gilman City, in 1957. They were married for 55 years, until her death in February 2012. They had four children, one son, Damon, who passed away in infancy, and three daughters. They lived almost their entire married life in Chillicothe, where they attended the United Methodist Church. Charles and Patricia were active in the community, where they served on various boards and committees and worked to may their town a better place for others. Charles was a conversationalist, after school most days you could find him at the restaurant in the Strand Hotel or other places, yakking it up with friends at what he called “The Round Table of the Rude.”
After Charles retired from teaching, he worked for Commercial Turf, traveling around the Midwest to aerate golf courses. His favorite aspect of the job was meeting new people, as he never met a stranger. His hobbies included reading, smoking his pipe, golfing and traveling worldwide with Pat and friends. His favorite activity was spoiling his grandchildren. Pat and Charles would travel the country to visit them. He and Pat enjoyed traveling with family to various places.
Our family would like to thank the “Better Way” ladies for taking such great care of him when his daughter Cindy was working so that he could remain in his home with his beloved dog, Sadie.
Funeral services will be held at United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. A scheduled visitation will be held at the United Methodist Church, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friends may call at the Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri, on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Edgewood Cemetery, Chillicothe, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, please consider giving memorial contributions to Children’s Mercy Hospital, the Chillicothe Education Foundation or the Chillicothe United Methodist Church. They may be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri 64601. Online condolences may be made at www.lindleyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lindley Funeral Home, Chillicothe, Missouri.
