Earl Howard Meacham's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Earl Howard Meacham, age 85 of Charleston and formerly of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Green Valley, Arizona, passed away at his son's home on Saturday, March 22, 2014. There will be no public visitation or services. Inurnment of his cremated remains will be in the Evergreen Cemetery in Manitowoc. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Gifts may be mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Earl was born on April 20, 1928 in Lehigh, Oklahoma the only child of the late Earl E. and Vera (Courtney) Meacham. In 1940, Earl and his family moved from Denver, Colorado to Manitowoc. He was a 1945 graduate of Lincoln High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. He married his high school sweetheart, LaVern E. Mraz on June 1, 1947 in Manitowoc and they have been inseparable, sharing more than 66 years of marriage and friendship. In addition to LaVern he is survived by a daughter, Joyce Pinkham of Green Valley, Arizona and a son, Howard Meacham and wife, Susan of Charleston; and a son-in-law, Darel Toebe of Manitowoc. Also surviving are five grandchildren, Christine (Tom) Mrotek of Milwaukee, WI, Drew Meacham of Sheboygan, WI, Todd Toebe of San Diego, CA, Lindsay Meacham of Nashville, TN, Jenna Meacham of Denver, CO; and 6 great-grandchildren.In 1948, Earl and his father opened the Piggly Wiggly Grocery Store on Washington Street across from Mirro Aluminum. In 1954 they opened the Piggly Wiggly located at Eighth and Reed Streets and in 1985 Earl sold that business and retired with LaVern to Green Valley. Earl was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was actively involved in the Manitowoc community as a member of the Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club, Masonic Lodge and the Two Rivers Shrine Club, where he served as president. Earl was a Mason and Shriner for over 55 years. As a youth Earl participated in Boy Scouts and DeMolay. He enjoyed all sports and was involved in track, basketball, golf and league softball and bowling. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and a proud 30 year season ticket holder.Earl enjoyed traveling, especially with LaVern, and Hawaii was a favorite destination. They also enjoyed taking in the shows in Branson; and Earl, along with a few close friends enjoyed many canoe trips. Earl loved photography and enjoyed taking photos especially of his family. He loved animals and was especially fond of cats - following the death of his cat, Frisky he was gifted with Lucky and Smoky. After moving in with Howard and Susan it didn't take long before he became very fond of their dog, Ellie as well.Earl was a devoted and loving husband, a wonderful father and role model for his children, and a doting grandfather and great-grandfather. He will always be fondly and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
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