David William Meikle

David William Meikle, age 52, passed away on June 4, 2026. Born October 5, 1973, David lived his early years in Bedford Heights, before moving to Chesterland in 1976. He currently resided in Madison, Ohio.

From an early age, David’s life was shaped by steady devotion to family and the simple, lasting joys of being together. As a boy, he was active in Indian Guides with his dad and Cub Scouts with his mom, experiences that reflected a willingness to show up, participate, and grow. He was also proud to be a loving big brother to his little sister Heather, a role he carried with quiet importance.

David went through the West Geauga School System and graduated from West Geauga High School in 1992. He also attended Auto Mechanics training at Mayfield High School, and later continued his education at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima, Ohio, for Auto Mechanic School—pursuing hands-on learning that matched his practical skill and lifelong interest in how things work.

For 14 years, David worked as a machinist for PAKO, Inc. in Mentor. His work reflected the kind of steady reliability and precision that defined much of his life—an ability to focus, build, and contribute in ways that were solid and enduring.

David’s interests were rooted in creativity and craftsmanship. He loved drawing people, buildings, and cars, and he found particular enjoyment in working on race cars and high-performance street cars. He owned a 1980 Chevy Malibu twice with big block Chevy engines, and also had a 1973 Chevelle Laguna S3—vehicles that spoke to his appreciation for power, detail, and the satisfaction of a project done right.

He also enjoyed slot car racing, watching NASCAR, fishing, college football—especially OSU football—RC car racing, dirt track at Painesville Speedway, and ¼ mile racing at Thompson Raceway and Norwalk Raceway Park. In these pastimes, David found both excitement and familiarity, returning often to the things that brought him genuine pleasure and a sense of connection.

David is survived by his sister Heather L. Meikle; and father Bill H. Meikle, Jr. He is preceded in death by his mother Karen J. (nee Laughman) Meikle; grandparents William H. and Barbara I. (nee Shaw) Meikle, and Earls S and Gertrude J. (nee Mechtensimer) Laughman.

Family and friends may call at Gattozzi and Son Funeral Home, 12524 Chillicothe Rd., Chesterland on Monday, June 15, 2026, 4 – 7 pm, where services will follow at 7:00 pm. There is no need to dress up for David’s Celebration of Life. It would make David very happy if everyone wore their favorite drag racing, NASCAR, or college football attire.

The Meikle family asks that flowers are not sent. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in David’s name to the National Kidney Foundation at www.kidney.org