Col. John R. Meese, U.S. Army Ret., 87, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, July 5, 2020 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a short period of declining health.
A son of the late Richard Vernon and Dorothy Marie (Gribble) Meese, John was born July 18, 1932 at Dover, Ohio.
John graduated from Ne…
Col. John R. Meese, U.S. Army Ret., 87, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, July 5, 2020 in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia following a short period of declining health.
A son of the late Richard Vernon and Dorothy Marie (Gribble) Meese, John was born July 18, 1932 at Dover, Ohio.
John graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1950. Then, in January of 1953, he enlisted with the United States Army and honorably served his country until his retirement in October of 1983. He lead a long and accomplished career with the U.S. Army which included serving in the 101st Airborne, serving as a Green Beret and an Army Ranger, attending Officer’s School, serving during the end of the Korean War and completing nine tours of duty in the Vietnam War, just to name a few.
During his last seven years in the Army, John also served as a consultant for Boeing in Witittaw, Kansas and he continued consulting for another 10 years after his military retirement.
John was an accomplished tennis player and he also represented the U.S. Army in various competitions.
He is survived by his loving wife, Lorane I. Walton with whom he moved back to New Philadelphia to spend the last 16 years of his life and marrying on May 10, 2014.
He is also survived by his children, Robert (Alicia) Meese of Columbia, Tennessee, Cheryl (Flemming) Pedersen of Henderson, Nevada and Steven (Mary Carol) Miller of San Francisco, California; a daughter-in-law, GiGi Meese of Long Beach, California; his grandchildren, David Meese, Monica Gunther, Alastair and Caitlin Addie and John, Rebekah, Maryanna and Daniel Meese and nine great-grandchildren.
John was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Richard and Scott Meese and two brothers, Richard and Gene Meese.
In keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and cremation will take place through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Inurnment with full military honors will take place in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
hideIn keeping with John’s wishes, there will be no calling hours and inurnment with full military honors will take place in Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery at a later date.
On behalf of the Geib Family and Staff, we offer our most sincere sympathy for your loss. We are honored to have been called upon to serve your family.
I am so sorry for your loss. I served under Col. Meese in Vietnam from Oct. 1971-72. I was enlisted and he had a great influence on my young life there in Vietnam and in my adult life after. I had never looked him up before but did last night only to learn of his passing on July 5. I will always remember Col Meese. Best wishes!
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Meese. So many good times with the "Friday Night Dinner Group" when we were in town. Shirley and Ralph enjoyed traveling, lunches, and visits at their house with Lorane and Bob. Mr. Meese's kindness and friendship will be fondly remembered.
Lorane, we were so sad to hear of your loss of Bob. Only met him one time but he was such a nice guy and made us feel so welcome in Ohio. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you and keep you, Billy, Timberly and Austin Orr (Tony’s sister and her family)
Such a wonderful man! I always enjoyed helping him with travel plans. So sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Lorane, We are so sorry for your loss. You are and will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Terri and Barbara Williams
Military Career https://ocsalumni.org/at_biz_dir/john-r-meese/
Lorane, I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Bob's passing. I am so glad that you were a part of his life in his retirement. I will fondly remember all the times that he would run from Grandma Meese's house to our house on the Southside to have coffee with Dad, Mom and me when he was in town visiting. He will be missed! Love, Sue Ann
May the love of God surround you and your family during this difficult time, May you come to know that the love of God is with you always, May your memories of Col. John R. Meese, give you peace, comfort and strength… Rest now in the arms of our Lord your mission on earth is complete. I thank you for your service to our Country and my Freedom. You will not be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers to the family of …. US Army Veteran, Col. John R. Meese, is “A True American Hero” God Bless† † Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13 †
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Meese’s passing. I always enjoyed waiting on him at Uncle Primos. My heartfelt sympathy to his lovely wife and family.
Geib Funeral Home & Crematory
On behalf of the Geib Family and Staff, we offer our most sincere sympathy for your loss. We are honored to have been called upon to serve your family.