John W Meints

Born October 19, 1930 in Pekin to Philip Reint and Marguerite Helena (Eggena) Meints, he married Nancy Charlene Endicott on July 3, 1955 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are three daughters, Becky S. (David) Powell and Peggy R. (Rick) Chaney, both of Pekin, and Sally M. (Paul) Collins of Irvington, Alabama; one son, Charles P. Meints of Wilmer, Alabama; ten grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one great-grandson, and one sister (Phyllis Koke).

A United States Air Force veteran of the Korean War, he served from February 2, 1949 to October 16, 1952.

John worked for Keystone Steel and Wire Company in Bartonville from 1957 to 1992, retiring as a wire drawer in the wire mill.  Previously, he worked for the American Distilling Company in Pekin and later for Caterpillar, Inc. for 7 years.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Pekin, where he was currently serving as a deacon, and was a member of the Scripture Sunday school class and church dart-ball team.   He attended Fort Myers Christian Church in Fort Myers, Florida. 

He was also a member of the William Schaefer American Legion Post #44 in Pekin and was a life member of the Spring Lake Sportsmen's Club.

John enjoyed woodworking and camping.  He and his wife wintered in Fort Myers, Florida for the past 7 years.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Monday, January 8, 2007 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.  The Rev. Steve Bridwell will officiate.  Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2007 at the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Air Force.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church, 1201 Chestnut Street, Pekin, IL 61554.