GARY DEE MEEK

Gary Dee Meek, 79, of Piqua, went home to be with his Lord Monday, April 18, 2022 at Upper Valley Medical Center. Born Sept 9, 1942 In Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Herschel and Marguerite Griffith Meek who preceded him in death, Gary was educated in the public schools of Louisiana, graduating in 1960 from Amite High School, Amite, Louisiana. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Studies Education with a minor in Business in 1965 from McNeese State College and earned a Masters of Education from Wright State University.  In college he was a five- year member of the McNeese State Cowboy Marching and Concert band, playing tuba and French horn. He was also a member of the Blue Key National Honor Society.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Deborah (Applegett) Meek, as well as his children Cassandra Dawn (Dane) Widney and Adam (Heather) Meek. He was Big Daddy and Grandpa to 7 grandchildren, Drake and Danielle Widney, Katelyn (Trey) Vigen, Gavin and Jacey Meek, Lilah and Landon Braaksma.

He was a born again Christian and served the Lord in many areas during his lifetime. He was a Sunday School teacher, Moderator, Deacon, choir member, choir director and praise and worship leader at Piqua Baptist church and Union Baptist church before becoming a member of The Valley Church, Piqua. He began his teaching career at Piqua High School in 1966, and retired in 2001 after 35 years teaching American History and Psychology. He was a much-loved teacher as attested to by many former students.  He was the 1st advisor to the newly formed Key Club, sound man for Piqua Show Choir, the Company, for 15 years, Assistant Marching Band Director for 20 years; filmed football games for the coaching staff, and served as Social Studies Dept. Chairman for many years.

Following his teaching career he began a new avocation as an archivist, employed as Coordinator of the Local History Dept. at the Piqua Public Library. He held this position for 18 years until his retirement in March of this year. His department was greatly praised as being one of the best in the region.  He said he was blessed to have 2 avocations in his lifetime that he dearly loved. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A service to honor his life will begin at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Jamieson & Yannucci Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Monnin officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be he held from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Local History at Piqua Public Library, 116 W. High St. Piqua, OH 45356; the Piqua Education Foundation, P.O. Box 201, Piqua, OH 45356, or a charity of your choice. Guestbook condolences and expressions of sympathy, to be provided to the family, may be expressed through jamiesonandyannucci.com.

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