David MEEKISON

MEEKISON David David Meekison, age 96, a practicing attorney in Napoleon for 71 years, died Monday afternoon at the Golden Living Center, Northcrest Nursing Home, Napoleon, Ohio. Mr. Meekison graduated from Napoleon High School and attended Harvard College. He graduated from Ohio State Law School in 1936 with a Juris Doctor Degree. His grandfather, father, mother and sister were all lawyers. Adding to that list today are his son and two grandchildren. In a 2001 Toledo Blade interview Mr. Meekison stated "I grew up in a law office. I spent many Saturday afternoons at my parents law firm. What else would I become? It was second nature to be an attorney." Meekison practiced law in Napoleon from 1936 until 1944 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was commissioned a Lieutenant and practiced contract law for the Navy. In 1946 he returned to Napoleon where he continuously practiced law until his retirement in 2007 at age 93. In 2001 he received special recognition from the Ohio State Bar Association for 65 years of service. In 2001 he also received special recognition from the Ohio House of Representatives. The proclamation stated "Throughout your long and distinguished career, you have conducted yourself in the highest traditions of American Jurisprudence and have continually displayed the honesty, integrity and astuteness which have made you a credit to the legal profession. Over the years, you have provided a vital service to the community and have established a record of achievement that will stand as a hallmark for others to emulate." His son, David F. Meekison, continues to practice law at the same location where the two men were law partners. "David Meekison was very respected". "To me, Mr. Meekison was the Cary Grant of Henry County, sophisticated and confident, yet a home town boy at heart. I admired his legal expertise and his love for the practice of law. I will really miss him," said Tom Manahan, another Napoleon lawyer. His legal secretary of 41 years, Cheryl Spangler said "He was a kind mentor. He taught me how to research probate and real estate law before the word paralegal was ever used. His heart was always in the right place. Often times he gave legal advise to clients without charging them. He always considered his law practice a profession rather than a business." Mr. Meekison's grandfather was a Probate Judge in Henry County and later a Democratic Congressman for the 5th Congressional District. Named after his grandfather, Mr. Meekison was Chairman of the Henry County Democratic Party from 1949 to 1972. Upon his retirement he was named Chairman Emeritus. He served on the Henry County Election Board from 1950 to 1976. He was a Precinct Committeeman from 1949 to 2007. Mr. Meekison's hobby was cruising and sailing on the Great Lakes with his family. He was a member of the Port Clinton Yacht Club for over 50 years. When sailing Lake Erie became too challenging, he purchased a 19' sailboat to use on the Maumee River. He often sailed alone on the Maumee River until age 91 when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Mr. Meekison and his wife, Mary Frances, married June 17, 1939. Surviving is his wife; son, David F. Meekison of Napoleon and daughters, Maureen E. Houppert of Silver Spring, Maryland and Beth Ann Meekison of Columbus, Ohio. He has five grandchildren with three of them having law degrees. He was a member of the Henry County, Ohio State, and American Bar Associations. He was also a member of Napoleon American Legion Post #300. Friends will be received at the Walker Mortuary in Napoleon on Thursday, July 29, 2010, between 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 30, 2010 at the Walker Mortuary, Rev. Thomas Polker, officiating. The family suggests tributes to the Henry County Community Foundation, 611 North Perry Street, Napoleon, Ohio, 43545, or the Henry County Historical Society, P.O. Box 443, Napoleon, Ohio 43545. On line condolences may be made at: www.walkermortuary.us.com