The Rev. Marvin Eugene Meeker, Warsaw, passed away at 1:45 p.m. March 1, 2017, at his residence at the age of 81. He was born July 30, 1935, in Sidney, Ohio, to Marvin Dale and Jennie Elizabeth Wilt Meeker. On June 12, 1954, he was married to Jeralyn Louise Backfisch, who survives in Warsaw. He attended Grace College and Seminary in Winona Lake at the age of 35. Later he pastored in Altoona, Pa.; Udell, Iowa; Eaton, Ohio; Mishawaka; Niles, Mich.; New Troy, Mich.; Talma; Cooks Chapel, Warsaw; Solid Rock Grace Brethren Church, South Whitley; and most recently in Flora. He loved to play softball and was even sempro as a pitcher and catcher. He was a wonderful artist, liked to bowl, and enjoyed being the church camp director in Pennsylvania and Warsaw. He was a member of Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, Warsaw. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Jeralyn “Jeri” Meeker, Warsaw; son, Lyle (wife Kathleen) Meeker, Warsaw; and two daughters, Jeri (husband Robert) Melcher, Winona Lake, and Junie Meeker, Indianapolis. Also surviving are six grandchildren: Jessica (husband Tim) Williams, Tucker, Ga.; Shaun (wife Tiffany) Meeker, Warsaw; Jason Melcher, Warsaw; Ruth Meeker, Warsaw; Michal Meeker, Warsaw; and Jacob Melcher, Fort Wayne; and eight great-grandchildren. He was preceded by his parents. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, 2638 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw. His funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, officiated by Pastor Dr. Russell E. Simpson. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Arrangements were entrusted to Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. ***** Memorials to Lakeland Grace Brethren Church, 2638 S. County Farm Road, Warsaw, IN 46580 to go toward the Practorium Fund. Condolences may be sent at www.redpathfruthfuneral home.com.
