Robert Meikle

Robert Rex Meikle, 85, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 25, 2010 at his home. He was under the care of Aspen Home Health & Hospice. Rex was born December 27, 1924 in Cache, Idaho, to Robert Gilbert Meikle Jr. And Cleo Aurelia Micklesen Meikle. He attended Teton Valley public schools and graduated from Teton Valley High School. He married Vernita Edith Beesley on October 20, 1943 in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple. They resided in Teton Valley, Idaho; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Star Valley Ranch, Wyoming; and St. George, Utah. Rex co-founded the Taylor Mountain Ski Area in 1958 and was a partner in the Kelly Canyon Ski Area from 1971 to 1990. He co-founded Teton Trading & Transportation with Dell Beesley, delivering freight to Jackson Hole until 1960. He spent most of his career in the crane and heavy hauling business at Teton Crane and Transport in Idaho Falls and Boise. He was a partner with his father, Robert, and worked closely with his brother, Doral Meikle, and other family members until 1991. Rex and Vernita started the new Teton Valley Museum in Driggs, Idaho. He was also a co-founder of other non-profits including the Tuacahn Amphitheatre in St. George, Utah. He also served as the first president of the Star Valley Ranch Homeowners Association. Rex was a member of the Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees. He served as director of the Idaho Motor Transit and as a school board trustee for Idaho Falls School District 91. As an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rex served in the Idaho Falls LDS 9th Ward Bishopric, and as a High Counselor in the Idaho Falls LDS Stake. He was very involved in the scouting program, was an Eagle Scout and served as a scoutmaster for several years. He received the Silver Beaver award in scouting. In his retirement, Rex was an active and dedicated temple worker. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, golf, softball, hunting, flying, all outdoor recreational activities. Survivors include: Wife: Vernita Meikle, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter: Pauline (Dietmar) Kluth, Laguna Beach, CA Son: Robert Rex (Connie) Meikle, Eagle, ID Daughter: Sandra (Mike) Sessions, Caldwell, ID Daughter: Susan Meikle Jespersen, Mission Viejo, CA Son: Dan (Lisa) Meikle, Napa Valley, CA Son: Ted (Becky) Meikle, Idaho Falls, ID Son: Todd (Jana) Meikle, Idaho Falls, ID Son: David Meikle (Tonya Prall), Idaho Falls, ID 19 Grandchildren, 42Great Grandchildren He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Doral Meikle, Kay Meikle, Jack Meikle; and three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Idaho Falls LDS Summerfield Ward, 3721 Shadow Mountain Trail Road with Jon Maughn, First Counselor in the Bishopric officiating. The family will visit with friends on Friday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue, and on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services. Burial will be in the Cache-Clawson Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be sent to the Teton Valley Museum Foundation, P.O. Box 363, Driggs, ID 83422. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.