Philip Sherman Meeks

Philip Sherman Meeks
96, died at 11:48 AM on January 29, 2017, at Lima Memorial Health System in Lima, Ohio.

Philip was born on August 4, 1920, in Lima, Ohio, to the late Edward Madison Sr. and Grace Estella (Davis) Meeks. On Sunday, April 13, 1941, he married Joyce Marie (Plaugher) Meeks. She preceded him in death in 1983.

He is survived by six children: P. Neil Meeks, North Manchester, IN, Charles "Chuck" Meeks, Marietta, OH, Janet (Dennis) McClintock, Lima, OH, Mike (Shirley) Meeks, Lima, OH, Rick (Cheryl) Meeks, Lima, OH, Phyllis (Jim) Butler, Marion, OH; sixteen grandchildren, thirty-three great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, sister, Marjorie Bryan, Lima, OH and a sister-in-law, Betty Meeks, Amherst, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by: two daughters-in-law, Carol Meeks and Marilyn Meeks; brothers, Edward Meeks Jr. and Robert Meeks; sisters, Hope White, Gloria Joseph and Grace Meeks; great granddaughter Caitlin Butler.

He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII and then served in the Navel Reserves for 36 years and helped establish the Lima Navel Reserve Center. He retired from Westinghouse as a Stationary Engineer.

Mr. Meeks was a 50 year member of Lima Lodge 205 F&AM, Lima Shrine Club, 32nd Degree Scottish Rite-Valley of Dayton, Past High Priest of Chapter 105, Delphos, Blue Star Dads, a life member of the VFW 1275 and an active member of the Cooties and Past Commander of Post 1275, life member of the American Legion-Harrod Stoner Unit Post 133, and the 40 & 8, a life member of the American Vets Post 1 and also one of the founding members. He was a member of the Cairo Sportsman's Club, the Cairo Congregational Church, Allen County Sportsman Club, Saber Gun Club, National Rifle Association, Buckeye State Sheriff Association, Fraternal Order of Police Association, Knights of Golden Eagle, Cairo Community Club, Eagles Aerie 370 and Moose Lodge 199. Philip has served many hours as a Special Deputy with the Allen County Sheriff's Department for 76 years and was the longest commissioned Deputy Sheriff in Ohio.

One of his greatest honors was recently being inducted into the 2015 Class of the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and his name is permanently displayed in the Riffe Center in Columbus.


The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home in Lima, Ohio and one hour prior to services on Thursday. A Masonic service will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. followed by a Scottish Rite Ring Service.

A funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home in Lima, OH. Pastor Mark Bayliff will officiate.

Interment will be at Lewis Grove Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by VFW Post 1275.

Memorial contributions may be made to Veterans Food Pantry of Northwestern Ohio, 810 W. North St., Lima, Ohio 45801.

Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com

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