Gerald (Jerry) Fred Meekins, 97, passed away peacefully at his home in Hillsboro, Oregon, with his family at his side.

He was born January 12, 1917, in Zearing, Iowa, and was the oldest of four children, born to Fred and Lucille (Batson) Meekins. He grew up in St. Anthony, Iowa, and graduated from Zearing High School in 1935 with a scholarship to Drake University in the Arts. He interviewed at Drake for his singing ability and his interviewer said she’d make a fine baritone out of him. But this was during the depression years, so he declined the scholarship opportunity and chose to stay home to help support his parents. 

Jerry joined the Navy in 1944, and was stationed at Camp Shoemaker, CA. He was in the motor pool and served as a master mechanic. After nineteen months he was honorably discharged in 1945. 

Jerry met his wife Florence in 1962. After a short courtship they were married on October 12, 1962, in Reno, NV. Following their marriage they made their home in Newark, CA. Gerald had four children and Florence had three children, all from previous marriages. On October 12, 2013, they celebrated their 51st Wedding Anniversary. 

Jerry’s professions along the way included truck driver, master mechanic working in the auto and aircraft Industry, real estate sales specializing in recreational land and residential properties, and swimming pool consultant and contractor in Dallas, TX. He retired in 1988 when he and Florence moved to Hillsboro.  

He was a member of the Masons for over 60 years and was a Master Mason. He was also a member of the Scottish Rite. Gerald and Florence were active members of Bethany Presbyterian Church in Portland, OR for 25 years. 

Jerry loved spending time with friends and family and had a very special bond with his children and grandchildren, greats and great greats.  He also enjoyed vegetable gardening, fishing, and model trains, and was a great story teller with a unique sense of humor everyone loved. He had an excellent memory and could recall the smallest details of his life experiences, whether he was sharing stories of growing up on the farm in Iowa, driving truck in the 1930s, or remembering the mischief of his children and grandchildren. Methodical and meticulous at everything he did, he believed in doing a job right; whether it was work, a hobby, or a home repair. 

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Loren and Leland Meekins; son Larry Meekins; daughter, Yvonne Meekins Grimes; and daughter-in-law Judi Balch Meekins.  

 He is survived by his wife Florence; his sister Phyllis Dakins of Carson City, NV; five children and their spouses: Paul Meekins of Pleasanton, CA; David and Mary Pat Meekins of Redmond, OR; Carl Grimes of Fremont, CA; Vivian and Gene Malatesta of Hillsboro, OR; Sharon and Bill Stiles of Fayetteville, AR and Ken and Jackie Baker of Alameda, CA;  18 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, and three great-great grandchildren.

Florence and family would be greatly blessed if you would share your memories, pictures, and stories on this site.

The family suggests a donation in Gerald's name to one of these charities or the charity of your choice.

St. Vincent Medical Foundation - Hospice
http://oregon.providence.org/our-services/p/providence-foundations/

Bethany Presbyterian Church 
http://bethanypc.com 

Beaverton Masonic Lodge #100
http://www.beavertonmasons.org/contact-information/
  

SERVICES ON MAY 10

11:00 AM  Everyone meets at Bethany Presbyterian Church
We will consolidate into fewer cars if possible and caravan to the cemetery (1.2 mile away)

11:30 AM
Graveside service will be held on
Saturday May 10 at 11:30 AM
Bethany Presbyterian Cemetary
7600 NW Kaiser Road
Portland, OR

After the service, we will return to the church and assemble in the Fireside Room where we will wait for the service to begin.

1:00 PM
A Celebration of Life will be held on
Saturday May 10 at 1 pm
Bethany Presbyterian Church
15505 NW Springville Rd
Portland, OR  97229

Reception in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service

Following the reception, everyone is invited to dinner at
John and Kristin's house
45045 NW Elk Mountain Road
Banks, OR  97106



 

TRAVEL INFORMATION

We have reserved a block of rooms at:

Homewood Suites by Hilton
15525 NW Gateway Court
Beaverton, OR  97006
503-614-0900 

http://homewoodsuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/oregon/homewood-suites-by-hilton-hillsboro-beaverton-PDXBTHW/index.html

The special room rate is reserved under the event "Meekins Memorial"
Call the hotel directly at 503-614-0900 to get this special rate
King suite $89
2 doubles $99 
RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY APRIL 10 TO GET THIS ROOM RATE

PLEASE RSVP TO VIVIAN THROUGH THIS WEBSITE