Lewis "Lew" E. Meeker

Lewis (Lew) E. Meeker, 93, affectionately known as Pop, passed away on October 3, 2026, at his residence in Kent. Born in Greenville, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 1932, he lived most of his life in Tallmadge.

Lewis served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia, as a member of the 3rd Infantry Division and the Presidential Honor Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1955 with the rank of staff sergeant. During his time in the Army, he married the love of his life, Joanna, on November 12, 1953, in Winchester, Virginia. After his military service, he returned to Greenville and resumed his work as a lineman at Penn Power. He was promoted to Safety Coordinator in 1964 and transferred to the general office in New Castle, Pennsylvania, a position he held until 1971, when he was promoted to Director of Accident Prevention for Ohio Edison. His promotion required a move to Ohio, and the family settled in Tallmadge, which would be their home for almost 50 years. He retired from Ohio Edison as Director of Safety and Security after more than 43 years of service. Lew was an expert in electric utility safety and was called as an expert witness many times during his career. He also served as chairman of the Edison Electric Institute’s Safety and Industrial Health Committee. He retired in 1994.

He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church from 1971 until his passing. He served as president of the Church Council for many years and gave countless hours of his time to the church. He was also a former member of the Greenville VFW, treasurer of Tallmadge Good Neighbors, and a volunteer with Mobile Meals. 

Lew was an avid gardener and took great joy in sharing his bounty with family, friends, and neighbors. He grew potatoes so large that he had to “roll them out of the field.” He was well known for making his own sauerkraut and proclaimed himself the Kraut King of Tallmadge. In the spring and fall, he could often be found fishing and hunting in the streams, fields, and woods of his native Pennsylvania. He was a diehard Cleveland sports fan and loved the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Above all, God and family were most important to him. He was one of the most giving people you could ever meet. He never met a stranger and was fittingly known as the Mayor of Kent Ridge. He was always quick with a joke or a “cute story” and loved “spending time with you.” He was one of the finest examples of living a godly life and keeping Christ at the center of everything he and our mom did. He is now in Heaven, free from pain and reunited with Mom—something he strove for throughout his life. We celebrate this and give thanks to God For him. He truly was the best husband, father, and man anyone could have asked for. We are deeply blessed to have called him Dad and Pop.

He was preceded in death by Joanna, his wife of 65 years; his parents, Albert and Josephine Meeker; two sisters; and seven brothers.

Lewis is survived by a sister Marie Riley, of Greenville, PA; his daughter, Susan (Wayne) Kemp of Akron; sons, Robert E. (Candace) Meeker of Tallmadge and James A. Meeker of Georgia; grandchildren, Alison, Justin, Tyler, Madison, and Jared; great-grandchildren, Amelia and Lewis; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at Kent Ridge for the loving care they provided. Additionally, we are grateful for the awesome residents for their love and friendship. We would also like to thank the Hospice support provided by The Care TEAM during his final days.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 158 North Ave., Tallmadge.

The funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church, with Pastor James Steingass officiating.

Internment will take place on Monday, October 26 at 10:45 at the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 158 North Ave., Tallmadge, OH 44278.