John R. Meekins

He was born October 22, 1920 and was the first-born child of Rufus and Pearl Meekins of Navasota, Texas.

Even before graduating from high school John went to work for his dad at the Humble Distribution Company in Navasota. Shortly after graduating from Navasota High School in 1940, he married Velma Lee Winkelman from Brenham. They met at a country-dance about half way between Navasota and Brenham and continued dating for several years and were married August 17, 1940. John and Velma, very much in love, decided to begin their family early in their marriage. They gave birth to three sons, John, Jimmy and Tommy.

John R. Meekins served in the U.S. Navy for two years and began working for the Humble Oil and Refinery Company in 1942. For many years he was an operator working shift work, but in 1976 he was put in charge of the water purification unit and worked only the day shift. The transition from shift work to straight days was said to be one of the happiest days in his life. John worked a total of 43 years for Exxon. When asked by his family, “Dad how long do you want to live?” he paused for a moment and said, “I’d like to live long enough to see my Exxon stock split one more time!”

John was a faithful member of Church on the Rock in Baytown and strong support to Love In The Name of Christ (LOVE` INC), a benevolent ministry helping the needy of greater Baytown.

John and Velma raised their three sons in Lynchburg and highly valued the many caring friends and neighbors of that community. Without question, John and Velma’s greatest joy was their three boys. They were the greatest supporters of whatever the boys were involved in such as football, basketball, baseball, track, music and the list goes on.

After John’s wife, Velma, passed away in September 1997, he began getting involved with “The Coastliners”, a band from the 60’s that his son Tommy, was an original member. When the group reformed in 1998, John was for sure the greatest fan.

John R. Meekins was preceded in death by his wife, Velma Lee Meekins, and his granddaughter, Kerri Meekins. He is survived by Rev. John and Marie Meekins, Jimmy and Wanette Meekins and Rev. Tommy and Barbara Meekins. Grandchildren, Christin Blake and husband Chris, Melody Meekins, Carissa Sheppard and husband Bryan, Jeremy Meekins, Justin May and wife Melissa, Rachel Knapp and husband Ed, Mitchell Meekins, Corby Meekins and wife DeAnna, Marty Meekins, Matt Meekins and wife Shyanne, Clay Meekins and wife Robin, Kelli Roberts and husband Beau. Great-Grandchildren, Courtney Meekins, Madison Meekins, Cade Meekins, Cole Meekins, Reagan Roberts, Reece Roberts, Hunter Blake, Mason Blake, Caitlin May, Jackson May, and Jacob May. John is survived by two brothers, Mace Meekins and Robert Meekins.

Friends, family and the community of Baytown will miss our beloved John R. Meekins. May heaven shine brighter because he is there.

Funeral Services will be held at 4:00 Friday, May 13, 2005 at the Navarre Funeral home in Baytown, Texas. Visitation and viewing will be held Thursday evening 6:00-8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers you may send a memorial gift to LOVE INC, P.O. Box 1116, Baytown, Texas, 77522.

Services are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, Texas. 77521. (281) 422-8111.