Lester Meridith

Lester James Meridith, son of Albert Franklin and Josie Levine Vanbeber was born May 24, 1920 in Jay, Oklahoma and departed this life on June 28, 2015 in Muskogee, Oklahoma at the age of 95.

Dad had a Model (A) Ford with a rumble or Mother In Law Low Seat. He had a sign on both doors that said, "All you girls who smoke, throw your butts in here"

At the old courthouse in Jay, Oklahoma, Dad's name, along with all those who served with him in the Army is written on the wall.

His best friend in the military was Cecil Ritter. Other friends of Dad's from the Military was the Scroggins Brothers (Andy and Clarence). They were fiddle players.

Dad told me a story a out how the kids in school who could afford to bring sandwiches for lunch made fun of him because had a sweet potato, cornbread and butter in a brown paper sack. He said one day he took his sweet potato and smashed it into the face of the kid who was making fun of him and then told the teacher on him. He said the teacher called the kid in and you could hear him getting his tail thrashed outside of the school.

As you all know Dad passed his musical talent down to his children. A tradition that will carry on for years to come. We didn't have a radio in the house when we were growing up, so every Saturday night we would listen to the Grand Ole Opry from the old pickup radio. Dad and Mom also sang at the Wrights Chapel Church while we kids slept on the benches. We spent lots of time with Robert and Connie when we were children as Dad and Robert have played music together for years.

We always had plenty to eat when we were growing up, but if we were sick we always got extra, ice cream, candy, peanut butter logs, all kinds of goodies, so I'm sure there was times when we became sick on purpose.

He is survived by a very loving family that includes his wife; Phoebe Meridith of the home in Stilwell, OK, children; Katherine Turman of Harrah, OK, Gary Meridith and wife Betty of Proctor, OK, Dwight Meridith and wife Kathy, Kenneth Meridith and wife Brenda all of Westville, OK, stepchildren; Jackie Bonner, Lillie Copeland, Gracie Cory, Debra Case, several grandchildren and many friends.

Funeral services were held at 1 pm on Thursday, July 2, 2015 at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery, Ft. Gibson, OK with Marvin Turman officiating. Interment followed.

Visitation

Roberts & Hart Funeral Home
404 S Williams
Westville, OK  74965
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
9 am - 3 pm

Service

Graveside

Ft Gibson National Cemetery
1423 Cemetery Road
Ft Gibson, OK
Thursday, July 2, 2015
1 pm

Cemetery

Ft Gibson National Cemetery
1423 Cemetery Road
Ft Gibson, OK