Donald L. Meredith, age 88, of Marion and formerly of Green Camp, died peacefully on Friday afternoon, April 11, 2014, at his home surrounded by his loving family, following a short battle with cancer.
On November 29, 1925, Don was born at Marion General Hospital, the younger of two children of the late J. Lloyd and Irma (Young) Meredith. He was raised in the New Bloomington area, where he graduated from Agosta High School in the Class of 1943.
Shortly following high school, Don enlisted to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He served during World War II as an aviation cadet, remaining stateside for his training and attending college during his enlistment.
Upon his honorable discharge, Don returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Juanita Behner, on March 16, 1947. They have cherished every moment of their 67 years together, and lovingly raised three children.
In 1948, Don began working at the General Telephone Company in Marion. During his 35 dedicated years there, he completed extra training to earn his engineering certification. He retired from GTE as an engineer in 1983.
A couple of deep and unwavering faith, Don and Juanita joined the Green Camp United Methodist Church shortly after their wedding in 1947. During his 67 years there, Don sang in the congregation's choir, taught Sunday School classes, was a trustee, served as chairperson of the Green Camp UMC Administrative Council, and was even a handyman whenever it was needed. In 1998, he was honored to win the Denman Award for his efforts to share the congregation's worship services with the entire village of Green Camp by setting up a radio transmitter, operating at 1610 AM, which reaches a mile beyond the village.
Dedicated not only to his church, but also to the entire community, Don served as mayor of Green Camp, and was a member of the Green Camp School Board, where he was a strong advocate for starting the Elgin School system.
One of Don's lifelong passions was singing. This passion led him and his friends to begin the men's choir group, the Marionnaires, of which he was a proud charter member. Don loved to sing, whether it was in the church choir, in quartets in high school, with the Marionnaires, or when he was just tinkering in the garage.
In addition to singing, you can't talk about Don without mentioning his fascination with cars of all makes and models. "Car trading" was definitely a hobby of Don's, and his family guesses he has owned over 120 cars during his lifetime. He didn't look for the newest cars, but loved to find cars that were unique or had been neglected. He would then spend a few months tinkering and cleaning up the car and finding it a new home where it would be appreciated. He also enjoyed the many summer days at Indian Lake, where he loved to spend time with his family.
Don was a special man in every way, a man of integrity. He lived by his motto, "Do something nice for someone today." He brought sunshine into the lives of all around him, and he truly saw the best in everyone.
Don will be dearly missed by his wife, Juanita Meredith of Marion; three children: Rev. James L. (Rikki) Meredith of Canal Winchester, Susan (Brian) Joyce of Oxford, and David (Peggy) Meredith of Powell; six grandchildren: Elizabeth (Kari McGee) Meredith, Rebecca (Brian) Sacash, Katie (Michael) Freeland, Alan Meredith, Ellen (Oscar) Hernandez, and David Joyce; three great-grandchildren: Ana and Josh Hernandez, and Wesley Freeland; a sister, Virginia (William) Axline of Marion; and eight nieces and nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents and his infant grandson, Thaddeus L. Meredith.
The Meredith family will greet friends from 4 – 8 p.m. on Monday, April 14th, at the Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home, 360 E. Center St., Marion. Services celebrating his life and giving glory to God will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at the Green Camp United Methodist Church, 205 Broadway, with Pastor Joshua Freshour officiating. His family will also greet friends for an hour prior to the services. Burial will follow in Green Camp Cemetery.