John E. Meredith

"John E. Meredith was born on December 10, 1928, in Cotton Plant, Louisiana, a logging camp in Caldwell Parish.  He died on June 7, 2020, at the age of 91. John is survived by his wife of 45 years, Beth Heiman Meredith; two daughters from his first marriage, Melonea Giorlando (Scott Goodstal) and Mari Deal (Charles).  He is also survived by 5 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his parents, Beatrice and Alfred I. (Bud) Meredith; his former wife, Marguerite Vinson Meredith; and daughter, Marguerite Suzanne Meredith. John graduated from Bolton High School in Alexandria, Louisiana.  He attended Louisiana College and Louisiana Tech. While in high school and college, John served 6 years in the Naval Reserve.  He went to work for Southern Bell Telephone in 1949, leaving the Company to serve in Korea in 1952.  He was awarded a Bronze Star while in Korea.  John returned to work for Southern Bell Telephone when he completed his military duty.  He accepted a number of assignments in North Louisiana and New Orleans during the course of his career.  He was an Operations Manager when he retired from South Central Bell in New Orleans in 1983. John was a very kind and generous man.  In his younger years, he would sometimes meet families in bus and train stations who would tell him that they needed to travel to another city or state, but they did not have the funds required. He would buy the tickets for them. John was a member of First United Methodist Church in Baton Rouge.  Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 1100 Florida Blvd., on Friday, June 12, from 9 am until religious services at 11 am conducted by Rev. Dr. Jane Riecke. Graveside services will be at 1:30 pm in the Hyde Cemetery in Chesbrough, Louisiana.  Pallbearers will be Scott Goodstal, Charles Deal, Josef Hofman, Ab Flynt, Meyer Heiman, and Dr. Jonathan Heiman.  Bill Hyde and Hank Arceneaux are honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the LSU Foundation for the benefit of the LSU Veterinary School, c/o Clayton Forbes, Skip Bertman Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.