Meeker, Lt. Commander Harold

Lt. Commander Harold Meeker, retired, 81, of Grinnell, died Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011, at Grinnell Regional Medical Center. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell, followed by a private family burial at the Evergreen Cemetery in Vinton on Wednesday afternoon.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Harold Meeker Memorial Fund.

Harold was born March 3, 1930, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Leon W. and Berniece Downs Meeker.

He entered the United States Navy in 1947, and spent most of his over 24 years of active duty in submarine service. He retired from active duty in 1971 and returned to Iowa to make his home in Grinnell.

He was a member of the Jamestown Society, The Sons of the American Revolution and various other hereditary organizations. He also enjoyed camping and genealogy.

Survivors include his wife, Darlene of Grinnell; three sons, Steven of Seattle, Wash., John (Kim) of Cedar Rapids, and Brian of Grinnell; one grandson; and three granddaughters.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Raymond; a daughter, Cynthia Garduno; and a granddaughter.

Published in The Gazette Nov. 8, 2011.