Richard Ernest Meadows

Richard Ernest Meadows, age 86, of Okemos, Michigan, died suddenly of natural causes in his home on Friday, January 22, 2021. Richard was born on June 26, 1934 in Pontiac, Michigan where he attended Pontiac High School. He was a kind, humble, curious man with a wonderful sense of humor who loved learning about things of old and new. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1951 and proudly served until 1954. He arrived at the DMZ in the final weeks of the Korean War and was present at the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953. With honor, he returned home to continue his education and court the love of his life, Gail Stoner. Richard and Gail were married on September 8, 1956 at St. John Lutheran Church in Rochester, Michigan, and were married for over 64 years.

Richard joined Michigan Bell in 1957. It was his objectivity, thirst for knowledge, and respected leadership that kept him rising through the company ranks in management positions. His favorite professional experiences included spending three months in New York City during the New York Telephone Strike in 1971 helping to keep communication lines open and working and serving on the board for the Communications Family Credit Union. He treasured the comradery he shared with his colleagues in these capacities and a handful become lifelong friends. After 32 years of service, he retired from Michigan Bell / AT&T in 1989.

Richard loved the outdoors. He trained and ran four marathons, including the Saginaw Bay, Detroit Free Press International, Breckenridge in Michigan and the Columbus in Ohio. His personal best time was 3:14:50, just shy of qualifying for the Boston Marathon. Long walks through the neighborhood, or on beaches gazing in tide pools, were always a favorite. Even on the golf course, he preferred to walk. Oh, how he loved the hours he spent on the golf course with his buddies chiding each other about who had the best shot or took the most mulligans. All in good humor with a splash of competition.

Richard enjoyed technology and was an early adopter of Hi-Fi sound systems, personal computers, and Hi-Def TVs. Watching the Detroit Tigers on the big screen with Gail was a favorite pastime. He was an avid reader of poetry, history, and philosophy, and would often pen his most beloved passages in his beautiful handwriting. He loved the rhythm of good music and appreciated unique expressions of art. His inquisitive nature not only inspired his own interests, but also those of his children. He always encouraged his children and grandchildren to follow their dreams while helping them to achieve many of them.

Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Gail; their son, Stephen Meadows (Christine Gattenio); daughters, Carolyn Meadows (Mike O’Sullivan), Susan Soderman (Christian), and Elizabeth Newell (Craig); brother, John Meadows (Sandi); eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A private grave side ceremony will be held for immediate family, with a virtual remembrance shared at a future date. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the American Heart Association and the Alzheimer’s Association.