Gordon Richard Meek, PhD

Gordon Richard Meek, 86, passed away peacefully Friday, June 12, 2020 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio. He was born September 22, 1933 to Gordon and Thelma (Gillooly) Meek. He grew up on Nicholas Street in Toledo and attended Arlington Elementary and Edward Drummond Libbey High School, graduating in 1951. After high school, he served two years in the United States Army before earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Toledo.

In May of 1956, he married his high school sweetheart, Joanne Margaret Eyman, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. He began his teaching career at his alma mater, Libbey High School. He joined the faculty of E.L. Bowsher High School in 1963, the year the school was opened. While at Bowsher, he taught American Government, American History, and other social studies classes. He coached the boys tennis and girls volleyball teams. During that time he also earned a Master's Degree and PhD from the University of Toledo. In 1986, he joined the Toledo Board of Education as Director of Social Studies for the Toledo Public Schools. While there, he was selected to represent the state of Ohio in a national program to develop high school students' knowledge of the United States Constitution. In this role, he participated in organizing and conducting statewide competitions. In 1992, he retired.

He was an active member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church for nearly 70 years. He led the Adult Sunday School class for over 20 years. He also assisted with catechism classes and youth groups. For the 100th anniversary of the church, he compiled and published a history of the church and gave a series of talks for the congregation. He participated in establishing programs to fight hunger and provide care for preschoolers. At age 86, he was still working in the church pantry, which provides food to people in need, when it was closed in late March due to the Covid pandemic.

He was steadfast in his faith, loved working with high school students and serving those in need, and cherished his family. He was sweet and kind and always saw the best in everyone. His favorite song was Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World," which aptly describes how he viewed life.

Left to cherish his memory are Joanne, his wife of 64 years; and sons, Gary (Pamela) and Kevin (Lorraine); and grandchildren, William, Olivia, Jillian and Adrienne. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura; his sister, Ann Meek Wagoner; and his parents.

Due to the Covid pandemic, a celebration of life service will be held once Holy Trinity reopens. A private service for his immediate family was held June 18. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Glendale Ave., Toledo, OH) or Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Please view and sign our online "guest registry" at CoyleFuneralHome.com

www.coylefuneralhome.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Blade from Jun. 21 to Jun. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Meek

37 Entries

Steve Scott

February 24, 2022

I had a great awakening during Mr. Meeks class. He was a visionary in touch with us children of the 70s. I look upon those days with in fond memories.

October 13, 2020

At Bowsher, I never had Mr. Meek for a class. As a freshman and total novice at tennis, he let me practice with the team. He even took time to help me learn and I finally made the team my junior year.
I always loved him for his kindness and encouragement.

J. Scott Fauble - 1971

Connie Nietz

July 3, 2020

Mr Meek was a wonderful teacher and friend to all.

John Grady

June 30, 2020

I remember Mr. Meek as a very calm and effective teacher who had masterful communication skills. Sincere condolences to his family and friends from a long ago Bowsher graduate (Class of '73).

Manny Littin

June 29, 2020

Rest in peace Gordon, from a 1951 Libbey class clssmate.

Shelly Gall Rothenbuhler

June 27, 2020

I remember very few of my high school teachers, but I clearly recall Dr. Meek. He treated everyone as an individual and was a driving force in my becoming a teacher. I have often thought of him over the years hoping I could influence young students as he did me.
Bowsher class of 1986

David W. Pugh

June 23, 2020

When I came to teach at Bowsher in 1976, I was blessed to have Gordy Meek as the smiling helpful friend across the hall. And as my happy luncheon companion at Billyle's restaurant during exam week. Sympathies to Joanne and the younger men.

Pastor Robert P Sander

June 23, 2020

My sympathy to you and your family.

Lisa Alleman

June 22, 2020

My family will miss Gordy's genuine smiles and wonderful sense of humor. He was such a people person and always showed interest in those he was with. He made all of us feel that he was one of our biggest fans. RIP Gordy and God bless you in the days ahead Joann. We love you both!

C G Stewart

June 22, 2020

I remember Dr. Meeks as a kind, caring, gentle instructor.
I always looked forward to his class. My condolences to his family.
CG Stewart
Class of 73

Lowell Weaner

June 22, 2020

I so enjoyed being in his World History class at Libbey H.S. and being coached by him on the Libbey and Bowsher tennis teams. I am so humbled that he was a faithful Christian. May he rest in peace.

Tom Jewell & Family

June 21, 2020

Arlington?! Nicholas?! Who knew...One of my favorite teachers! Into the early 1980s (at least), he still had Psychology and Sociology (one semester each!) textbooks dating back to the 50s, yet his classes were always fun and fascinating. Thank You, Mr. Meek (and didn't you also play football for the Rockets?)! And deepest condolences to the family...

Amy Newman

June 21, 2020

Mr Meek was my psychology teacher at Bowsher. He had such a happy disposition. He truly loved teaching and especially his students.

My condolences,
Amy (Donahue) Newman

Chris Righi

June 21, 2020

Our loss is His gain. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Linda Bondy

June 21, 2020

Mr. Meek was the best teacher I ever had. He told stories of people with passion and detail and was the reason Im a history buff. He left a brilliant legacy. So sorry for this loss for his family

Cindy (Smith) Coffey

June 21, 2020

RiP Mr. Meek. You were a credit to your profession, you were a creative and thoughtful teacher. Your class taught me how to really think about both sides and always consider another point of view. I have never forgotten you did that! And more than once in the past
40 years I have fondly remembered you and World History at Bowsher
Cindy class of 74

Debbie Pearson

June 20, 2020

I was a student of his back in the 70's at Bowsher HS. He was always so kind and had the best smile. He was loved by his students and left a lasting impression on so many of us.

Marcy Steiger

June 20, 2020

My favorite teacher at Bowsher. He and I would sometimes good naturedly banter back and forth during class. One time we kept at it until the bell rang, and he realized hed wasted the entire class time on me. I never had a better time. I think he liked it too. I also remember him from Holy Trinity. Great teacher, and a great example to his students.

Karen Brandum Kaczmarek

June 20, 2020

Edt in Peace Mr. Meek. You were my business law teacher at Bowsher High School. I was the class of 65.

Paul Hegele

June 20, 2020

How can anyone praise Dick Meek sufficiently? I was honored to be Dicks pastor for 20 years. Weekly he taught our adult Sunday School class. Daily he taught me grace and wisdom. They say that faith is more caught than taught. Anyone who spent an hour with Dick grew in faith both ways.

Eric kohring

June 20, 2020

So so sorry to hear. Mr. Meek was always and ever will be a favorite of my whole family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all

Jerry Bolduan MD

June 20, 2020

What an amazingly wonderful man! Even better than his teaching, Mr. Meek taught us all to be better human beings. He taught by example....a devoted husband to his wife Joanne, and always careful to love, protect and teach his two sons, Gary and Kevin. Time in class, time spent that summer helping him to paint his house in Maumee.....memories not forgotten. He is remembered with affection and respect by many. Especially me.

Kristin Kohring

June 20, 2020

Joanne, My fondest memories are of you and Dick mentoring and encouraging me with the Sunday School program. Dick will truly be missed. All my love and prayers

Joy Hazelbaker Roman

June 20, 2020

Mr. meek was my teacher at Libbey in 1961. Historically, the early 60s were full of unrest but he was always that special teacher who maintained a calm presence and his classroom was always a safe refuge. More recently I was able to reconnect and the years hadnt changed him at all. He made such an impression on all of his kids and I can only imagine the impact he has made on his family. May your sorrow and loss be lessened by wonderful memories and thank you for sharing him all the years that he coached and taught. ❤

June 20, 2020

Truly one of favorites -Steve Scott, 1972

Cindy Stump

June 20, 2020

He was a wonderful teacher, especially at adult Sunday school.

William D. Foote

June 20, 2020

Mr. Meek was outstanding -- both a caring teacher and brilliant in his craft. For all he gave us at BHS, my one regret (and I'm probably not alone) is I should have rewarded his efforts by being a better student. Sincere condolences to the Meek family. RIP kind Sir!
William Foote, Class of '71

Susann Sawyer

June 20, 2020

Thank you for ALL of your years of service for the community. You touched so many lives in various ways, including preparing me for college and inspiring me to be the kind of teacher like you Mr.Meek! Condolences to your family and friends.
In Loving Memory,
Susann Sawyer (valedictorian, class of '77; retired teacher)

Robert Bernius

June 20, 2020

Mr. Meek was one of my teachers at Bowsher HS . He was one that I remembered over the years . His classes were always up beat and interesting .

Jeffrey Barber

June 20, 2020

God Bless you Mr. Meek. You were a fantastic Social Studies Teacher! I also enjoyed trying out for your boys tennis team. Jeff Barber Class of 74

Jeff Greeno

June 20, 2020

God bless you Mr. Meek. As a 1982 graduate of Bowsher High School I have great memories of you and your class. You were one of my favorite teachers of all time . RIP

Jeff Greeno

Patty (Ramlow) Miller

June 20, 2020

Hugs to you Joanne. You two were such a special couple!! Always my favorite smile whenever I came back to visit Holy Trinity. He was such a special man. My love to the whole family at this time

Joe Romp

June 20, 2020

R. I. P. Sir

Diane Thorpe

June 20, 2020

I first knew Dr. Meek as my government teacher at Bowsher, and reconnected later as a colleague in TPS.l when I became an educator. Toledo and its connections...my parents knew him as a classmate at Libbey. He was such a knowledgeable and kind man. He will be missed by many. My prayers to his family.

Cheryl

June 20, 2020

RIP Mr Meek. I was a student of his at Bowsher & he wrote me my recommendation for Wittenberg . I always remember him as kind & gentle. He was a great educator. Condolences to the family.
Cheryl Bowsher

Sabine and Heidi Croley

June 20, 2020

Rest in Peace, Mr. Meek...or as so many children at HTL called you, "Grandpa Meek. You will always be in my heart. Heidi and I send our deepest condolence and love to you all.

Gary Pitchford

June 20, 2020

RIP Mr Meek!
While attending Bowsher 80 I drove to Maumee HS for Summer School between my JR/SR year because I wanted to learn US Government from Mr Meek. Ironically, I too teach HS Social Studies! This Summer I am teaching US History and Economics - virtually. Thanks for the inspiration - from my family in Indianapolis, IN to yours.

Respectfully, Gary Pitchford

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