John M. McMeekin's Obituary
John M. McMeekin, age 79, of Lewes, DE passed away peacefully Saturday, August 27, 2016 at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the Bronx, NY, son of the late Thomas and Margaret (Zimmer) McMeekin.
John retired after 30 years as a Delaware educator, teacher and assistant principal. He was a member of the National Education Association and a former member of the Counsel for Exceptional Children. John attended the University of Delaware and graduated with a Masters Degree from Trenton State College. He spent most of his career in special education, both upstate, and in Sussex County. Becoming the Assistant Principal at Frankfort Elementary School was an especially proud moment for him. John was also a very active member of Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach, the Masons, American Legion Post 28, and Cancer in Common. He was a proud United States Marine Corps veteran, having served during the Korean War, and was a member of the Marine Corps League. He also served in and retired from the Delaware National Guard.
A natural storyteller, John loved to entertain with memories of growing up in the Bronx, his military career, his courtship of Audrey, his children and grandchildren, and the many students he had in his classrooms. He was a gifted writer and was encouraged by several people to write a book. He completed many chapters due to this encouragement. John was a comedian; telling jokes was his favorite thing to do. He felt it was his mission in life to uplift people with his gift of laughter. Even his doctors wanted jokes from him before he left their offices. He was often stopped to talk about his unusual canes, which is when the Irishman in him would come out.
His greatest role, however, was as a wonderful and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Mary.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Audrey M. (Schwerthoffer) McMeekin. 2 sons: Roger (Beth) McMeekin and Scott (Lisa) McMeekin. 4 grandchildren: Scott, Amanda, John, and Thomas McMeekin. 2 brothers: Michael and Thomas McMeekin, and a sister: Pat Sullivan.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 10:00AM at Epworth UMC, 19285 Holland Glade Rd., Rehoboth Beach, DE, where friends may call between 9:00-10:00AM. Final Services with military honors will be held at 2:00PM at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE
Memorial contributions may be made to Epworth UMC, the SPCA, PO Box 398, Georgetown, DE 19947, or the Cancer Support Community, 18947 John J. Williams Highway, Suite 312, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. In honor of Mr. McMeekin, the family also asks that you think of a favorite joke John shared with you.
Please sign Mr. McMeekin's online guest register.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3PM WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2016 TO PARSELL FUNERAL HOMES, LEWES.
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