John L. Meeks
John L. Meeks, age 81, of Quincy, died on Sunday, October 24, 2021 in Blessing Hospital. He was born at home on January 4, 1940 in Thayer, MO.
He was delivered by his Aunt Myrtle because the doctor could not get up the icy hill. John was a son of John Culp and Zelma Olin (Russell) Meeks. He first married Virginia (Ginny) Frazier in 1958, she preceded him in death in 2001. John then married Freda (Fletcher) Lund on July 13, 2002 in Quincy. She survives.
John spent most of his working career at the Chevy Store at 24th and Locust in Quincy. He started with Van Chevrolet, which became Rod Smith Chevrolet then Buford Ward Chevrolet and now is Shottenkirk. He retired as Service Director in 2006 after 42 years of service. John also had his real estate license and handled many rental properties.
He was a member of Columbus Road Baptist Church.
In his younger days, John was a Golden Gloves Boxer. He enjoyed skeet shooting and traveling with friends to skeet events. He was a member of the Board of Directors that initiated the formation of Vatterott Vocational Center. After his retirement, he and Freda traveled and stayed at campgrounds in their motor home. On the road, Freda would read their book of choice aloud, and John would drive. Mornings at the campground, would find John, making the rounds with his cup of coffee to talk with the other campers.
In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children: Trudy (Tim) Massey of Hamilton, Il, Candy (Roger) McKenzie of Quincy, Sheila (Mike) Karhoff of Quincy. Freda’s children: Sarah (John) Miller of Quincy and Robert (Rachel) Lund of Castle Rock, CO; grandchildren: Tara (Jeff) Kratky, John (Lindsey) Massey; Suzanne (Mike) Keller, Cameren Peters, Jessica Peters, Brooklyn (Chase) Helsler, Luke Miller, Aaron Miller, Brady Lund, Aria Lund and Perry Lund; one brother, Dalmus Meeks, one sister-in-law, Lois Meeks Scales; four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
John was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Ginny, two sisters, D. Lucille McCradic and Anna Mae White and one brother, Cloyd Meeks.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. in Columbus Road Baptist Church with Dr. Bob Cowman and Pastor Dalmus Meeks officiating. Interment in Greenmount Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday morning from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. in the church. Memorials may be made to Quincy Humane Society.
Met John and Ginny when we first moved here from Davenport —- way early years —- his friendliness and energy was with him his whole life —- will never forget him — deepest sympathy
John was our neighbor in Springdale for several years! Our kids were so excited whenever he would ask them to come over to swim. We always dealt with John at Rod Smith/Buford Ward. He was such a kind, generous man. We admired and loved him beyond words! We moved to Florida and lost contact with John. Then we reconnected with he and Freda at Columbus Road Baptist when we would come back to Quincy to visit. They were such a support to our family when our grandson, Hayden, was born. We will always remember John’s kind heart and caring manner! Condolences to Freda and his children! RIP dear friend‼️
Freda,
My condolences on the passing of John. He was such a good friend over the years and performing your marriage to John was an honor. Rest in Peace John. God Bless.
My condolences to the family. John spent his life in the car business as have I. My late dad and I always enjoyed shooting Skeet with John and the rest of “The Chevy Crew”, Rod Smith John MeeksTerry Fisher and Jim Robertson. John always shot his pump guns.
So sorry to read about John. Such a great man. A dear friend from Bufford Ward Chevrolet, who was so professional and helpful, but mostly ALWAYS had a smile for everyone. My deepest sympathies –
Freda, Trudy, Candy & Sheila
We are so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. He was a great friend and coworker. Have many many wonderful memories of our times together. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time and in the days ahead. The Leighty’s
John and Freda have been next door neighbors of mine in the last four years. When I first talked with John and asked his name, I said, John Meeks, that rings a bell. When I asked what he did before retiring he said real estate and overseeing service department at Chevrolet. As it turned out in 1984 I was a sales person at Buford Ward Chevrolet. John was overseeing the service department. With John on oxygen since being a neighbor, the opportunity to visit was limited. I know Freda and the rest of the family will miss John, take solice in the fact that he no longer suffers.Lee Bevill
Sooo sorry for your loss. He was a great boss and a great friend. Every time I think of you John I will have a happy thought ❤️❤️
Truly & family we are so very sorry for your loss. Thoughts & Prayers to all.
Uncle Johnnie, you were more than just an uncle to me…you were my substitute grandpa. We both admired each other’s spunk and we became buddies immediately! We are so glad you came to visit when Micah John was born…God gave us Aunt Freda that way. ❤️ You have always been loved deeply, and you will be just as deeply missed.
Freda, thanks for being such an adoring and serving wife to Uncle Johnnie. He always thought you were hot stuff! We are sorry he has left this earth and simultaneously rejoice that he is with his Savior at this very moment. Love you!
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. May your many good memories get you through the coming days. Praying for God’s guidance through your grief.