Douglas Meeks

Douglas Leroy Meeks passed away on Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 at Preferred Care at Wall. Before his passing, he resided in Wall Township with his wife, Doris Meeks, whom he had been married to for 71 years.
Douglas was born on January 23, 1927, and spent most of his childhood in River Edge, New Jersey. He attended Hackensack High School where he excelled in athletics. In fact, one of his fondest memories was leading his basketball team to victory in a state championship in 1945. Douglas then enlisted in the Navy where he served for two years during World War II. Following his time in the Navy, Douglas experimented in the stock exchange before finding his passion in law enforcement. Here, he spent 38 years in the probation department and accumulated a variety of riveting stories that his loved ones still speak about in awe.
Many only knew Douglas by the nickname "Buddy," lovingly bestowed by his mother years ago;
yet, anyone who spoke with Douglas quickly learned he was much more than just a Buddy. He
was a skilled fisherman, a steadfast sleeper, and an enthusiast of cold beers. He was a supporter
of the "little guy," as he often had a soft spot in his heart for his youngest son's family dog. This
small Havanese often initiated fights with their larger rescue dog, and Douglas always found
great joy in watching the havanese prevail in these playful attacks. Above all, Douglas had an
insurmountable amount of resilience that often kept him enduring through the toughest of times.
This resilience often impressed and inspired all those around him.
Douglas was undeniably everyone's "Buddy," but within these distinctive characteristics, he also
embodied the essence of a devoted husband, brother, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and
teammate. Douglas' legacy will always be carried closely in the hearts of his wife (Doris), his
four children (Doug, Jeffrey, Cynthia, and Brad), his grandchildren (Craig, Courtney, Kaitlin,
Ally, and Kate), his great-grandchildren (Hayden and Wesley), and his friends.
Arrengements are under the care of Orender Family Home for Funerals, Manasquan, NJ. To send condolences to the family please visit www.orenderfamilyhome.net.