Charles Lewis Meador, 78, of Wellsville passed away on April 10, 2022, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 14, 2022, at Myers Funeral Home in Wellsville. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at Resurrection Cemetery in Wellsville.

Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Charles was born in Mexico, Missouri on December 9, 1943, the son of Raymond and Ethel (Foster) Meador. On November 14, 1964, he married Rita Elizabeth Niekamp at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Mexico. She survives at the home.

Charles was a 1962 graduate of Mexico High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy at Andrews AFB in Washington, D.C. During most of his service, he was a steward to the Secretary of the Navy. During his travels, he crossed paths with many dignitaries and was present at many historic events, including President Kennedy's funeral and LBJ's inauguration.

After his discharge, Charles worked for 32 years at UPS. In addition, Charles volunteered his service to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. After leaving UPS, he worked full time as a Deputy Sheriff in Montgomery County.

Charles was a member of the Laddonia American Legion Post 510 where he served as Commander for 10 years. He was also a member of the VFW post 3056 from Wellsville. He was the organizer and participant for the honor guard at both posts.
During his lifetime, Charles was a member and past president of the Booneslick Muzzle Loaders and Old Settlers of New Florence. He owned and operated a small business until 2018. He enjoyed playing cards and spending quality time with friends and family.

In addition to his wife Rita, survivors include one son, Donald Lewis Meador (Lee Ann), of Laddonia; two daughters, Tammy Marie Meador (Gary), of Columbia, and Teresa Ann Wortmann (Danny), of Wardsville; two brothers, Bobby Meador (Sarah), of Mexico, and Glenn Meador, of Jefferson City; one sister, Ellen Meador Dickerson, of Middleburg, Florida; eight grandchildren, Andrea Trierweiler (Kyle), of Columbia; Melissa Trierweiler (Matt), of Kansas City, Kansas; Zane Meador (Nicole), Ean Meador, and Maggie Meador, of Laddonia; Kristina Wortmann, Alexander Wortmann, and Jared Wortmann, all of Wardsville; one great granddaughter, Adalynn Meador; and several brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Paula Collet.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Legion Post 510 of Laddonia. They may be sent in care of Myers Funeral Home, 203 E. Bates Street, Wellsville, MO 63384.