Tommy Ray Meeks
1947 - 2012

Tommy Ray Meeks, 64 year old Checotah resident, passed away on Monday, January 23, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Saturday, June 7, 1947 in Marysville, CA to Ted and Hattie Fletcher Meeks. Tommy moved to Checotah with his family as an infant. He grew up in Checotah where he received his education. After high school, on September 22, 1964 he entered the United States Navy in San Francisco, CA where he served four years. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. Tommy received an Honorable Discharge on Wednesday, April 24, 1968 in Bainbridge, Maine. While in the Navy, he fell in love and later married Linda Zenger on Saturday, June 15, 1968 in Oroville, CA. Tommy worked as a cook in Sierra Hotel,Tahoe, Nevada, where he cooked for many celebrities including Elvis Presley. They moved back to Oklahoma and he began working for W & W Steel Co. as a painter. He later began working as a transmission mechanic for Ramsey Chevrolet in Bixby. Later in life, he and Linda adopted 4 children, and he became “Mr. MOM”. Tommy enjoyed coaching his boys baseball and football games, working on cars, watching O.U. Football and was very active in his children and grandchildren’s lives. He was an active member of the First Assembly of God Church of Checotah. Tommy will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. He is preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Bobby Meeks. Tommy is lovingly survived by his wife, Linda of the home; children, John Meeks and his wife Heidi of Sand Springs, Karisa Lyons of Muskogee, David Meeks of Muskogee, Dustin Meeks and his wife Cindy of Okmulgee, Dylan Meeks of Muskogee, Roxie Lay and her husband Phillip of Okmulgee; eleven grandchildren, Joshua Meeks and his wife Haley, Kaylie Meeks, Trandon Boylan, Jeremiah Boylan, Noah Lyons, Jonah Meeks, Jeziah Meeks, Jerab Meeks, Jacob Boatman, Blake Lyons, & Colby Lyons; three brothers, Willie Meeks and his wife Estea, Teddy Meeks, & Kenneth Meeks; one sister-in-law, Jessie Meeks. Also surviving are 6 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, other extended family and a lifetime of friends. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, January 28, 2012 at the First Assembly of God with Reverend Paul Butler, officiating. Burial of Tommy’s ashes will be held at a later date. You may share online condolences with Tammy’s family @www.garrettfamilyfuneralhome.com. The family of Tommy Ray Meeks entrusted his care, cremation & service to John & Kim Garrett of Garrett Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service 311 SW 2nd Checotah, Oklahoma 74426. 918-473.2244