Robert F. Meakim

Robert Francis Meakim, a resident of Belen New Mexico, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2022. Robert was born on December 30, 1943, in Evergreen Park, Illinois. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High in 1961, where he then trained to become an electrician. He married Patricia Susnis on September 25, 1965 and the they had three children, Christine, John, and Robert. After a family vacation to Colorado, Robert and Patricia fell in love with the state and moved the family there in 1973. They built their own home and raised their family in Colorado, until both Robert and Patriciaretired in 1999. Robert and Patricia were avid travelers, taking cruises and traveling the country. They fell in love with the idea of running a bed and breakfast and in 1999, found their "retirement job." They purchased the Custer Mansion Bed and Breakfast, where they hosted guests for over 17 years, in the Black Hills of South Dakota. While a resident of Custer, South Dakota, Robert was heavily involved in the community. He was an active member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church. He was a member of the Lion's Club, Chamber of Commerce, South Dakota Bed and Breakfast Association and the Custer County Republicans. During the slow season, Robert often worked as a substitute teacher at the local high school and middle school. He also delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a very involved resident of Custer, always willing to step in and help with projects that were needed around town. For fun, Robert spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren and loved to cast a line in one of the many nearby lakes. He was an enthusiastic motorcycle rider and he and Patricia often took trips on the bike or spent the day exploring the Black Hills. Robert was an avid woodworker and filled his and Patricia's home with beautiful hand-crafted pieces. He also owned and flew his own airplane, sailed a catamaran and loved to be out fishing in his canoe. He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Jane Meakimand his grandson, Alexander Robert Kittrell. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Meakim, brother Michael Meakim, and sister Cindy Curtis. Also, daughter, Christine Kittrell and husband Cory Kittrell, son John Meakim, son Robert Meakim and wife Esther Meakim. He is survived by his grandchildren, Connor Kittrell, Eliot Kittrell (wife, Jade Kittrell), Joesph Meakim, Charlotte Meakim, and Bobby, David, and Chase Putnam. He has one great grandson, Jackson Alexander Kittrell (son of Eliot and Jade Kittrell). Arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Services, Belen, New Mexico. The family greatly appreciates all thoughts and condolences. There will be a private memorial service on March 5th, at the Terrace Grove Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by the caring professionals at the Noblin Funeral Service Belen Chapel, 418 W. Reinken Ave., (505)864-4448, where an online guest register is available at www.noblin.com.