Otis Victor Meeks Jr

Otis Victor Meeks Jr., age 63, of Chardon (Munson Twp.), OH, died suddenly on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at his home from complications of Multiple Sclerosis. He was born on September 10, 1961, in Cleveland, OH, to Otis V. and Joann F. (Nee: Suhy) Meeks Sr. He spent his youth in Chardon, attending St. Mary's elementary school, then graduated from St. Joseph's High School in 1979. He carried his strong Catholic upbringing and faith throughout his life.
Otis joined the US Army on July 1, 1980, and was honorably discharged as a SFC on July 31, 2004. He had an extraordinary career in the Army, earning many distinctions including:
Army Special Forces Tab 18 C Special Forces Engineer Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Southwest Asia Service Medal with 1 Bronze service star Kuwait Liberation Medal Master Parachutist Badge Military Free Fall Parachutist Badge Israeli Defense Force Parachutist Badge Special Forces Badge
Married Deborah on August 18, 1992, in Dillon, SC.
After his honorable discharge in 2004, he and Debbie moved to Montana, returning to Chardon in September of 2011.
Otis had many interests during his life. He was an active member of the Boy Scouts, something he shared with his brother Tom and his dad. He was always happy to be outdoors, many evenings were spent around a campfire, or "Ranger TV" as he called it. He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast and loved working on his Harley and riding with his Veteran's club. He was a craftsman, making furniture by hand while in Germany. He had a keen sense of looking at a challenge and creating a solution out of the tools at his disposal (i.e. a tailpipe out of soda cans). He loved his dogs, and they were his constant companions. He enjoyed Nascar and attended races with his family.
Of his many accomplishments and interests, at his core he was a strong, quiet man, always humble, never boastful, who loved his family and served his country faithfully.
Survivors:
Wife: Deborah Meeks of Munson Son: Otis V. (Kim) Meeks III of Wallace, SC Daughter: Samantha (Daniel) Downing of Pinehurst, NC Stepson: C.J. Moss of Chicago, IL
Grandchildren: Otis V. Meeks IV of Wallace, SC Karalina I. Meeks of Wallace, SC Korrie I. Meeks of Wallace, SC Reagan J. Downing of Pine Hurst, NC Noah B. Downing of Pine Hurst, NC
Mother: Joann Meeks of Lemont Fce, PA Father: Otis V. Meeks, Sr. of Pelham, TN
Brothers: Thomas (Denise) Meeks of Highland Hts., OH Michael (Amie) Meeks of Southern Pines, SC
Sisters: Debbie (Novie) Wikerson of Junction City, KS Susan Meeks of Chardon, OH Kathleen Nicholson of Newbury, OH Christine Meeks of New Smyrna Beach, FL Mary Meeks of Granby, CO
Many Nieces and Nephews
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 13, from 1-3 PM and 6-8 PM at Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 116 South St., Chardon, OH and 1 hour preceding the Funeral Mass at the church.
*Funeral Mass at Divine Word Catholic Church, 8100 Eagle Road, Kirtland, OH on Tuesday, January 14 at 11:00 am followed by Military Honors. A reception will be held at the church following the service.
Mass at St Paul's Cathedral, Pittsburgh PA on Friday, January 17 at 10:30 am Interment will follow at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies in Bridgeville, PA at 1:00pm on Friday, January 17.
Floral Arrangements are appropriate, or donations to any military/disabled veteran organization of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Chardon, Ohio. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.burrservice.com
*The funeral mass will be available via livestream for those unable to attend in person at https://divinewordkirtland.org/