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Robert J. Bob Meadows Oct 28 1923 - Dec 11 2011
Robert Joseph Meadows died Sunday, December 11, 2011, at PLHS from head injuries due to a fall. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Harvest Baptist Church in Watertown. Pastor Scott Davis will officiate. Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown and will continue at the church prior to the services. Burial will be in the Thomas Cemetery, Thomas, SD. Bob was born October 28, 1923, to Francis and Sena (Olson) Meadows in Watertown, SD. He spent his early years in Watertown and moved to Thomas, SD in 1932. He was involved in theatre, played basketball and graduated from Thomas in 1941. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Stewart, on February 3, 1945, and continued their love affair until she died in 2001. They had five children and farmed with his father in Thomas. The family moved to Watertown in 1959 and Bob worked for the Rural Electric Co-op as a lineman and serviceman until he retired in 1986. His passion was Jesus Christ. Although quiet in nature, his spiritual leadership positively affected many lives. He was a member of the Watertown Christian and Missionary Alliance and was very involved in all church activities and in service to others. Bob’s greatest interest was all things related to the automobile. He inspired this love of classic autos to his children and was especially proud of his son’s vehicles and their involvement in auto restoration and car shows. He enjoyed camping, fellowship with good friends, local concerts, reading, snowmobiling, and tinkering around in his garage. In retirement he enjoyed gardening, car shows, steam threshing events and loved to visit his children and grandchildren, Bob was fortunate and blessed to find love again and married Lily (Aldrich) Namken of Watertown on April 11, 2009. They delighted in each other and shared many happy times together. Late in life, Bob suffered from Lewy Body Dementia and spent the last ten months in Reflections Memory Care Unit of Jenkins in Watertown. Bob will be remembered for his many acts of service, his sense of humor, warm hugs, quick smile, quiet love of family and devotion to His Lord. He is survived by his wife, Lily, of Watertown; sons: Owen (Jean) of Hot Springs, SD, Dan (Sharon) of Paradise Valley, AZ, and Mike (Debbie) of Watertown; daughters, Robin (Rod) House of High River, AB, Canada, and Cindy (Brad) Fontaine of Watertown; nine grandchildren: Michele (Brad) Merrill, Wendy Meadows, Luke (Rochelle) Meadows, Stewart Meadows, McKensie Meadows, Jared Meadows, Cori (Greg) Brandriet, Jeff (Jen) House and Monica House; six great-grandchildren: Samantha and Ryan Merrill, Daulton and Addyson Meadows and Nolan and Norah House; Lily’s son, Myron (Michaela) Namken, of Watertown and daughter, Linda Namken, of Corpus Christi, TX; and his sister, Mildred Smith, of Watertown. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Arlene.

Robert J. Bob Meadows
Oct 28 1923 - Dec 11 2011

Robert Joseph Meadows died Sunday, December 11, 2011, at PLHS from head injuries due to a fall. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 16, 2011 at the Harvest Baptist Church in Watertown. Pastor Scott Davis will officiate.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at Crawford Funeral Chapel in Watertown and will continue at the church prior to the services. Burial will be in the Thomas Cemetery, Thomas, SD.

Bob was born October 28, 1923, to Francis and Sena (Olson) Meadows in Watertown, SD. He spent his early years in Watertown and moved to Thomas, SD in 1932. He was involved in theatre, played basketball and graduated from Thomas in 1941.

Bob married his high school sweetheart, Arlene Stewart, on February 3, 1945, and continued their love affair until she died in 2001. They had five children and farmed with his father in Thomas. The family moved to Watertown in 1959 and Bob worked for the Rural Electric Co-op as a lineman and serviceman until he retired in 1986.

His passion was Jesus Christ. Although quiet in nature, his spiritual leadership positively affected many lives. He was a member of the Watertown Christian and Missionary Alliance and was very involved in all church activities and in service to others.

Bob’s greatest interest was all things related to the automobile. He inspired this love of classic autos to his children and was especially proud of his son’s vehicles and their involvement in auto restoration and car shows. He enjoyed camping, fellowship with good friends, local concerts, reading, snowmobiling, and tinkering around in his garage. In retirement he enjoyed gardening, car shows, steam threshing events and loved to visit his children and grandchildren,

Bob was fortunate and blessed to find love again and married Lily (Aldrich) Namken of Watertown on April 11, 2009. They delighted in each other and shared many happy times together.

Late in life, Bob suffered from Lewy Body Dementia and spent the last ten months in Reflections Memory Care Unit of Jenkins in Watertown.

Bob will be remembered for his many acts of service, his sense of humor, warm hugs, quick smile, quiet love of family and devotion to His Lord.

He is survived by his wife, Lily, of Watertown; sons: Owen (Jean) of Hot Springs, SD, Dan (Sharon) of Paradise Valley, AZ, and Mike (Debbie) of Watertown; daughters, Robin (Rod) House of High River, AB, Canada, and Cindy (Brad) Fontaine of Watertown; nine grandchildren: Michele (Brad) Merrill, Wendy Meadows, Luke (Rochelle) Meadows, Stewart Meadows, McKensie Meadows, Jared Meadows, Cori (Greg) Brandriet, Jeff (Jen) House and Monica House; six great-grandchildren: Samantha and Ryan Merrill, Daulton and Addyson Meadows and Nolan and Norah House; Lily’s son, Myron (Michaela) Namken, of Watertown and daughter, Linda Namken, of Corpus Christi, TX; and his sister, Mildred Smith, of Watertown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his first wife, Arlene.

Guest book

Comment posted by: Faithe Patrick
Mon 09th Jan 2012 03:20 pm

He only remembered me sometimes, but I heard a bunch about all of the family listed above. I was so blessed to know him, and I cannot believe he is gone. Bob came to be one of the best friends I could have, and I will miss him dearly. All family and friends are in my prayers.

Comment posted by: Christine
Mon 26th Dec 2011 09:52 am

Bob was such a special man. I'm sure God was waiting with open arms. Bob's smile will always be treasured in my heart.

Comment posted by: Loa
Fri 16th Dec 2011 09:52 am

Dearest Mildred,Lily and Bob's family,
I was so shocked to hear of Bob's tragic fatal fall. He was such a happy, smile filled,caring person. And you were so caring of him. He was missed at 200 Maple Place but we knew he had to cross the street for more care. Know that his memory will live on with you/me forever and that he is now at peace in a better place.
My prayers are with you as you go forward in life.
God's blessings on all

Comment posted by: Doug McLaughlin
Fri 16th Dec 2011 07:31 am

Mr. Meadows influenced me in many ways during the time I communicated with him while Dan and I were in high school. Yes, he was quiet and respectful of others and he was open to listening to others in that same manner. One aspect of Mr. Meadows' personality that sometimes went unnoticed was his sense of humor. Again, he was subtle with a quip and a semi-hidden smile. I am certain that his leadership will be missed by all who knew Mr. Meadows.
In any discussion about Mr. Meadows I feel a com

Comment posted by: Jim and Joan Lohrman
Thu 15th Dec 2011 07:41 pm

To the Meadows family, We feel honored to have known Bob. He was a true gentleman. We just know that he's looking down and telling you Meadows men to keep winning those trophies at the car shows!

Comment posted by: Jan and Don Viands
Thu 15th Dec 2011 04:53 pm

Robin, Cindy, and the entire Meadows family,

Bob and Arlene had a profound impact on my life - first as our youth group leaders and later as my parents' best friends. Bobby, as the girls from our youth group affectionately called him (as we would sing, "I want to be Bobby's girl"),was exactly the kind of man we all hoped to marry ourselves. Gentle, tenderhearted, fun, yet strong in the Lord and even tempered. He has always been there for us and for many others. We will be praying for you.

Comment posted by: Dorothy Volesky
Thu 15th Dec 2011 11:52 am

Cindy and family, Thank you for your message that your Dad's now in the presence of Jesus. Cherished memories of the Meadows linger in my heart. Your mother and I prayed together many times that the circle be unbroken for your wonderful family. You are loved!

Comment posted by: Lawren and Karen Ingalls
Thu 15th Dec 2011 09:45 am

Dear Meadows Family,
Words cannot express the appreciation and love we have for for Bob. Bod & Arlene were the first people we met when we came to Watertown to candidate to become their pastor; That led to eleven years of friendship. They were like big brother and sister, advisors, encouragers, supporters, confidants,and partner in ministry. Bob's quiet wisdom, and patience guided me and the church board through many decisions. When we left Watertown for another assignment Bob wisely advised,

Comment posted by: Larry Ferber
Thu 15th Dec 2011 09:41 am

My sympathy to you and your family.

Comment posted by: Jason and Cara Menz
Thu 15th Dec 2011 09:39 am

We are thinking of you all at this difficult time. May this verse comfort you all: "He will take away death for all time. The Lord God will dry tears from all faces." Isaiah 25:8

Comment posted by: Jannelle Birchall Olson
Thu 15th Dec 2011 07:51 am

To the Meadows Family,
May you find peace and comfort in remembering the joy and wonderful times you had with Bob. May the Lord comfort your family in a most profound way. It has been a pleasure for our family to have known Bob and all the Meadows for many years. We will remember his good humor, his love of his family, the stories about the Thomas Community and those Thomas Tigers! Most of all the love of people of all ages he knew. We are all blessed to have had Bob pass through our lives.

Comment posted by: Crystal
Wed 14th Dec 2011 11:59 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Thanking God for the gift of Uncle Bob in my life. What a blessed reunion with the Savior and loved ones must be going on in heaven.God give you His peace , knowing He is with you always.

Comment posted by: Janet Penticoff
Wed 14th Dec 2011 06:33 pm

So sorry to hear of your loss....he sounds like a wonderful man who will be missed by many. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Comment posted by: Michelle Mersch Cork
Wed 14th Dec 2011 01:07 pm

Owen, Jean, Michele, Wendy and Luke, I was sorry to hear about the loss of your father/grandfather. You are in our thoughts.

Comment posted by: Kristinn Heinrichs
Wed 14th Dec 2011 12:12 pm

Cindy: Sending you and your family my sympathies and prayers for this time. The Germans have a saying, "Those who live in the Lord never see each other for the last time." Let gratefulness be your prayer, surround with friends and family to celebrate your father's life!

In prayer and thanksgiving,
Kristinn Heinrichs
Phoenix, Arizona

Comment posted by: Margus Lambeth
Wed 14th Dec 2011 11:54 am

Have just read about your father's life...how full it was and lived with the greatest of value. I am so very sorry for the pain of loss... Grateful for the assurance of his being with our LORD JESUS. Will be keeping all of the Meadows family in my prayers.

Comment posted by: Rich and Judie Peterson
Wed 14th Dec 2011 11:46 am

Owen and Jean, Our sympathy to you in the lose of your father.

Comment posted by: Margaret Sander
Wed 14th Dec 2011 11:34 am

You have my sympathy in the loss of your father.Thinking of you and praying for you and your family.

Comment posted by: Nancy and Mike Grunewaldt
Wed 14th Dec 2011 09:52 am

Thinking of you and sending prayers for the loss of your father.

Comment posted by: Stephanie Bent Hanson
Wed 14th Dec 2011 09:04 am

Owen, Jean, Michelle, Wendy & Luke and the entire Meadow Family,
My heartfelt sympathies to all of you as you mourn the sudden loss of your father/grandfather. May he live on through the memories of all who loved him so. God Bless you!!

Comment posted by: Marv and Celeste Ruppelt
Wed 14th Dec 2011 09:00 am

What a blessing Bob was to so many people! How priviledged we were to have known him and to have been blessed by his faith and kindness. What a blessing and great hope it is to know, without doubt, that he is now in the presence of the Lord in Heaven for his first Christmas there. Take comfort for yourselves in the words of 1 Thess 4:13-18. Our prayers are with you during this time.

Comment posted by: Lee and Betty
Wed 14th Dec 2011 08:35 am

Dan,Sharon and family,rnrnOur thoughts and prayers are with you

Comment posted by: Bob and Mary Brown
Wed 14th Dec 2011 08:17 am

Owen, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Comment posted by: Tracy Fox Pardy
Wed 14th Dec 2011 07:34 am

Dan, Sharon and families:

My sympathies to you and your family for the passing of your father. Thinking of you during this time.

God Bless

Comment posted by: Gene
Wed 14th Dec 2011 07:30 am

May God's Strength be with the family!

Gene & Callie Wockenfuss, (Friends of Dan and Sharon)

Comment posted by: LNelson
Wed 14th Dec 2011 07:24 am

I hope this scripture brings you a measure of comfort in this time of deep sorrow. Revelation 21:3-4

Comment posted by: Karen Pratt
Tue 13th Dec 2011 09:03 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted knowing your father is in Heaven and with his Lord. God Bless you all and hold you close during this very difficult time.

Comment posted by: Melanie Hahler
Tue 13th Dec 2011 08:47 pm

Hi Cindy and Lily,
So sad to hear the news. I'm glad i had the privledge of caring and knowing him. You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult season for you.

Comment posted by: Darla and Bob Knox
Tue 13th Dec 2011 07:11 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Comment posted by: Bob and Dodie Bemis
Tue 13th Dec 2011 06:39 pm

Mike and Deb,
We are sorry to read about Mike's dad.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this
time in your lives. In reading the obituary, he sounded like such a wonderful person, citizen and Christian as he lived his life.

Comment posted by: Lisa and Ed Ronke and boys
Tue 13th Dec 2011 05:56 pm

Cindy, Brad and family, We are thinking of you during this time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

Comment posted by: Lori Eggen Liljegren
Tue 13th Dec 2011 04:43 pm

Lilly, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. My sincere sympathy to you and the entire family. God Be With you now and forever.

Comment posted by: Ron and Vinceen Hanson
Tue 13th Dec 2011 03:33 pm

Mike, Debbie, & family
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers and thoughts.

Comment posted by: Wanda Nilson
Tue 13th Dec 2011 03:16 pm

So sorry to hear about your Dad,Cindy.
I remember meeting him & Lily at Stone's truckstop.
He was so nice and fun to be with.
Glad I had the opportunity to meet him.
Rejoice in his peace. Knowing that he is with God.

Comment posted by: Terry and Deb Ascher
Tue 13th Dec 2011 01:46 pm

Cherish the memories of the days you spent with Bob

Comment posted by: Roger and Connie
Tue 13th Dec 2011 10:14 am

We were sorry to hear that Bob had passed away. He was such a nice man and will be missed.

Comment posted by: Randy and Laurie Benson
Tue 13th Dec 2011 07:59 am

Mike, Deb and family:

Please know your family is in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time

Comment posted by: Pastor Lane Hoover
Tue 13th Dec 2011 01:31 am

Thinking of you all as you face the days and challenges ahead. Pull together as a family and lean upon the Lord. He is our strength and ever-present help in times of trouble.

Comment posted by: Wally and Jeannie
Mon 12th Dec 2011 03:43 pm

Wanted you to know we are thinking of you. You have our sympathies in the loss of your father.

Comment posted by: Jennifer Vick
Mon 12th Dec 2011 02:53 pm

The entire Meadows family is in my prayers.

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