Marvin H Meekins

Marvin Hester Meekins, 98, died in Annapolis, MD on October 1, 2013. Firstborn to Joseph G. Meekins and Mary L. Tillett Meekins on June 8, 1915 in Wanchese on Roanoke Island, the Outer Banks, NC. His beloved wife, Gladys L. Meekins, died on December 13, 1989 after 46 years of marriage. Survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Pamela J. Meekins and Gary S. Schwerzler of Annapolis, MD and his son, Warren L. Meekins of Fairfax, VA, his sister Mary Levina Fleming of Tulsa, OK and his brother and sister-in-law William L. Meekins, Sr. and Donna R. Meekins of Lothian, MD.

Marvin (“Hester” to the Island’s community) was blessed with a wonderful life of excellent health, loving marriage and family, very successful professional career in the Federal Civil Service, and an exceptionally long and happy retirement. Graduating from NC State College of Engineering, a remarkable success for an island son, he was a commissioned officer in the US Army Reserve for 4 years. He served his country from 1938 to 1973 in critical Navy and Army positions, from technical design, earning US patents, to senior management, earning awards, during the important periods of WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and the Cold War, contributing to the success of key programs and weapons systems. In retirement, after loss of his wife, he used his skills in carpentry and design to improve the family home on Roanoke Island, leaving it a wonderful home for vacations of succeeding generations of the Meekins and Fleming families.

He led an active, independent, robust life, in his Arlington, VA home and moved to Annapolis in 2008, where he continued this active lifestyle, making new friends in Eastport. His last 7 months were In assisted living where he used his outgoing personality, strong voice and personal energy to bring a smile to staff and residents alike, often praying with other residents. He gave of himself to help others and made the best of life to its end.

He lived his life with love, respect, courage, tenderness, kindness, and always chose the honorable and truthful path.

A special thank you to his caregiver and friend, Vickie.

Marvin Hester was interred next to his wife on October 9, 2013 in National Memorial Park, Falls Church, VA. A Memorial Service is planned for October 24, 2013 at Calvary United Methodist Church on Rowe Boulevard in Annapolis, MD, commencing at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to one of the two churches Marvin was a member of, Bethany United Methodist Church, Wanchese, NC, which was built by his grandfather, http://bethanyunited.com/about/contact/ or Calvary United Methodist.