Charlene Marie Meads (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Charlene Marie Meads was born May 3, 1931 in Eldridge, Missouri to Charley Blattel and Iva Hunt Blattel. She passed away Wednesday, February 15, 2023 in Lebanon, Missouri at the age of ninety-one years, nine months and twelve days.
Charlene was raised in Eldridge and was a graduate of Lebanon High School in the class of 1948. She attended Southwest Baptist College and Missouri Teacher’s College and began teaching at the Alexander School in Eldridge.
It was during this time she met Kenneth D. Meads and on November 3, 1951 the two eloped. Kenneth was in the military and they lived in Alaska, Germany and Maryland. Following his stint with the Army, they returned to Lebanon where Charlene worked at Rector’s and H.D. Lee.
After she retired, Charlene enjoyed taking care of the grandchildren. She also loved reading and attending Community Baptist Church where she was a member.
Charlene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth on September 15, 2010; her great-grandson, Hudson; her sisters, Mildred Burton and Jeanette Dismang.
She is survived by her three sons, Stephen Meads and his wife, Kim of Willard, Missouri, Chuck Meads and his wife, Kathy of Marshfield, Missouri and Jeff Meads and his wife, Dana of Lebanon, Missouri, five grandchildren, Josh Meads and his wife, Dana, Andrew Meads and his wife, Kara, Chad Meads and his wife, Audrey, Abby Self and her husband, Truman and Chase Meads; nine great-grandchildren, Hunter, Henzli, Nona, Henry, Oaklynn, Hannah, Brantley, Elliott and Olivia; and two sisters, Irene Waterman and Brenda Robinson.
Charlene was a strong woman who enjoyed taking on a new challenge. She was a hard worker and was quick to make new friends wherever she and Kenneth were living. She enjoyed meeting new people and learning the local culture at the different places she and Kenneth were stationed. She loved her role as mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She spent as much time as possible with her family and made memories with them that will last a lifetime.
A memorial to Camp Barnabas has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Charlene?
What’s a lesson you learned from Charlene?
Share a story where Charlene's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Charlene you’ll never forget.
How did Charlene make you smile?
