Arthur Richard Meacham III

“Dick” was a F4 fighter pilot in the Vietnam war. He earned medals for heroism in the face of the enemy, but few knew of them. He was a private man, a humble man, a man of honor, honesty and integrity, a true gentleman, although stubborn and set in his ways. His steadfastness influenced many of the characters in books by his wife, best selling author Leila Meacham. Leila was the core of Dick’s existence. All else was incidental.

After the war, Dick and Leila moved to San Antonio; stationed at Randolph Air Base as a flight instructor. Upon retiring after twenty years of service, he joined Merrill Lynch and enjoyed his colleagues and clients as a financial advisor for another twenty years.

Dick was from Michigan, born April 6, 1940, the oldest and one of three boys: Don, who became a doctor, and Bob, who became a commercial pilot. He graduated with great pride from the University of Michigan in 1962. He was a fervent alumnus; returning every year to Ann Arbor to attend games with old college classmates. GO BLUE. He was a loyal supporter of the Detroit Lions and Detroit Tigers, and suffered through their many losing seasons, until finally in this last year of his life, he could cheer their successes.

When Leila passed away too soon in 2021, Dick’s world was shattered. He turned to his friends and his church for help in rebuilding a life. Each Tuesday he met pals for breakfast at the Petroleum Club. Every Sunday evening, cocktails at a neighbor’s. He looked forward to the monthly gathering of his long-standing dinner group. He volunteered helping the needy at Agape Ministry and Cross Road Church food pantry. Every few weeks, it was Burgers&Beer nite with a buddy. Trips to Houston to see the Tigers beat the Astros were highlights. But he would never fill the loneliness left by beautiful, precious Leila, his constant companion and world traveler for 55 years.

Dick was a reader of books, a close follower of current events and cultural trends, and a concerned and conscientious citizen. He was a loyal and trustworthy friend. His was the quality of character upon which this nation was built. He entrusted his affairs to dear family friends Michael and Melanie, and was thankful for their capable assistance. He was grateful to Alice for her many years of nursing care to both he and Leila.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation in Arthur Richard Meacham's memory to Samaritan's Purse or Cross Roads Church, 8102 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, TX 78329.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 11:00 AM with the Funeral being celebrated at 12:30 PM at Cross Roads Church, 8102 Midcrown Drive, Windcrest, TX 78329. Interment with United States Air Force Funeral Honors to follow at Sunset Memorial Park at 1701 Austin Hwy San Antonio, Texas 78218.