Posted by Terry Powers on December 24, 2022:

OBITUARY May 24, 1927 -- February 12, 2007 Born: Fort Smith AR. Resident of Dardanelle and Russellville since 1934, x/o thirty year distinguished military career. Retired back to the area in 1979 where he has lived ever since. Education: Dardanelle Public Schools -- Grade School Kemper Military School and College, 1941-1945 West Point graduate, Class of 1949 Command & General Staff College, Army War College MBA, The University of Missouri Profession: Career Military Officer. Career highlights include: "Written up in Life Magazine for innovation in Vietnam War. Was first officer to mount artillery on barges to float down the rivers to protect the US servicemen better from the Viet Cong as well as to gain better firing position. The war was fought this way from that point forward. (Mobile Riverine Force - Mekong Delta Operations. Daddy placed a 105MM howitzer on an Ammo barge, using cleats and segments of telephone poles against which the trails of the howitzer rested. By use of aiming stakes placed ashore, routine fire support could be provided from the barges anchored securely against the river bank. Several designs were tested, and as a result of the experimentation, six barges were ultimately fabricated, and this was considered the most important equipment decision by the Army for the Mobile Riverine Force because the barges provided effective artillery support at all times.) "Was asked to serve as President of Kemper Military School and College (in addition to his existing military role as Professor of Military Science) where he helped keep the school financially afloat and operational during a period of anti-military sentiment after Vietnam. He also opened the school to female cadets. "Served as Tactical Officer at West Point. Both these positions gave Daddy a chance to 'give back' as a leader to the schools that had started his military career and contributed to his success. Giving back to the community and country was a major tenet in Dad's life. "Initiated or led many ROTC programs across the US, (TX, VA, UT, MO) including helping establish the ROTC program in Dardanelle, his hometown. "Field Artillery Officer with many decorations, including Silver Star with Oak Leaf Cluster; Legion of Merit; Bronze Star Medal; Air Medal w "V" device -2 awards, Air Medal - 2nd award; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal w Oak Leaf Cluster; Army of Occupation Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w 3 Bronze Service Stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w Palm-unit. General Staff Identification Badge. . . . (others -- Note military discharge papers) Predeceased by: Wife: Barbara Jean Baker Meek (in 2004) Dardanelle hometown girl, daughter of Ira Linley Baker and Aline Petray Baker who ran BakerA-A?A1/2s Cleaners on Front Street Dardanelle for over 30 years). Mother: Lee Sims Meek Barger - Dardanelle resident then Russellville resident her whole life. Father: Feder Stickney Meek Survived by: Daughter: Deborah Lee Meek (Smith) of Houston, TX, with Granddaughter: Ariel Alexandra Smith in college in Fayetteville, AR Son: James Stickney Meek and wife Sharon of Little Rock, AR, with Granddaughter: McKenzie Shea Meek of Beecher, IL Brother and Sister in law: Thomas Linley and Kay Warren Baker of Dardanelle Memorials can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars or Arkansas Hospice.

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