Obituaries

William James Meads

Photo of William  James  Meads
William J. Meads, of New Boston, Texas, passed away at Cornerstone Retirement Center, on Sunday January 7, 2018. Mr. Meads was born September 30. 1927, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Earl Wesley Meads and Elizabeth Spearing Meads. He was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith for which he was a faithful lay leader, for many years, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in New Boston. In 1933, his father moved the family to Sulphur Bluff, Texas, and William graduated from Sulphur Bluff High School. He enrolled at East Texas State Teachers College, at age 16, but interrupted his education to volunteer for the U.S. Navy, in 1945. He served until 1947, and was honorably discharged. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War, then honorably discharged from the US Navy Reserves, April 1953. Mr. Meads entered the U.S. Army Reserves, May 1955, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. In Sept. 1957, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. In September 1961, he was promoted to Captain. He retired from the U.S. Army, completing a combined 20 years in military service. Patriotism and service to others, remained a priority to him throughout his lifetime. Luke 12:48 states: ' From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked'. This was his personal philosophy. While completing his undergraduate degree at East Texas State Teachers College, he met Elthie Cade of Yantis, Texas. They were married, January, 1952. Their first home was in Dallas, Texas, where Mr. Meads was employed with Braniff Airlines, at Love Field. Their children, Alethia and Byron, were born during this time. William Meads moved the family to Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1955, while employed at Shepherd Air Force Base. Utilizing the GI Bill for education, he completed his MBA degree, by commuting to East Texas State University every weekend, from Wichita Falls, in 1957. In 1958, upon learning of opportunities at Red River Army Depot, the Meads' family moved to New Boston, Texas. William was employed as a systems' analyst civil servant for the Department of Defense. The Meads family grew, adding Timothy, Rebecca and Anthony, from 1960-1968. In 1969, Red Stone Arsenal recruited William, and the family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. Following a brief transfer to Montana, the Meads happily returned to Bowie County, and built their permanent home. William participated as assistant Boy Scout leader for Troop 36, as his sons achieved their Eagle Awards. Numerous Camp Pioneer trips were enjoyed by father and sons. He was proudly a member of the Caddo Council's Old Timers' of Camp Pioneer. Mr. Meads served on the New Boston City Council for a number of years, and, was a member of the Lions' Club. After retiring from Red River Arsenal, William was hired as a math and DECA teacher at New Boston High School. He served the school district for 10 years, before retiring. Within the family, Daddy Bill was infamous for his love of Patriotic music, marching, and Army Surplus supplies. His storage room has always been a haven of treasures for the children. Bill and Elthie had happy years, traveling and visiting their children's families. This January marks 66 years of marriage for them. William J. Meads is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Elthie, and children: Alethia Meads White of Texarkana, and Byron (Nita) Meads, Timothy (Rhona) Meads, Rebecca Meads, and Anthony (Shanna) Meads, all of Tyler, Texas. Grandchildren include: Justin (Kelli) White of Texarkana, Chris (Blaire) White of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jordan (Amy ) Meads, of Tyler, Anna Beth White (Colin) Gorman, of Little Rock, Sarah (Caleb) Bunn of Huntington, Texas, Andrew (Jenna) Meads of Tyler, Caroline Meads (Trent) Brookshire, of Tyler, Hannah Meads (Carter) Kendall of Plano, Texas, Kelby Schuermann, Nicholas Meads, Laura Meads, both of Waco, Texas, Alexandra, Emma, Eva, William, Amelia, Edel, and Phoebe Meads all of Tyler. Additionally, 19 great grandchildren have blessed the William Meads' family. In addition to his immediate family, he is also survived by brothers Paul Mead, of Midlothian, Texas, and Gerald (Marge) Mead, of Virginia, and sister in law, Betty Mead, of Richardson, Texas. Cade surviving sisters and brothers in law include Lavinia (Jim) Atchley, of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, and Maurine (Don) Shaw, of Southlake, Texas. Numerous nieces and nephews cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, the extended family suggests charitable donations in honor of William J. Meads to any of the following: Caddo Council of The Boy Scouts of America, #24 Lynwood Drive, Texarkana, Texas, 75503, Tyler Texas Catholic School Foundation, St. Mary's Catholic Church, of New Boston, or Cornerstone Retirement Community, of Texarkana. The family invites family and friends to share these services of celebration: Rosary will be recited Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, 4:30 PM, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in New Boston, followed by visitation from 5:30-7:00 PM at Bates Rolf Funeral Home, Hwy 8, New Boston. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2018, at 10:00 AM, St. Ann's Catholic Church, in Winnsboro, Texas. Graveside burial services will follow at the Rock Hill Cemetery, Quitman, Texas, on Highway 515, west of Winnsboro, Texas, under the direction of Bates Rolf Funeral Home.

Published January 9, 2018

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