Russell O. Meeds

Russell O. Meeds, age 101 of Miamisburg, Ohio, passed away on Saturday. April 5, 2025, at the Dayton VA Medical Center. He was born the son of the late Elvy and Mamie (Sheets) Meeds on December 4, 1923. Russ was born and raised on a farm in a log house with no electricity, running water or radio/television, in Darke County close to North Star. He walked to a one-room school for eight years where one teacher taught all grades. He graduated from Versailles High School where he played baseball. Two weeks after graduation, he was drafted into the Army.

Russ was in the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Division in the Army during World War II from 1943-1946 including the Battle of the Bulge. His role was to guard bridges and other military facilities by shooting down enemy planes. Upon returning to the US, he went to work for Frigidaire Appliances, a General Motors Division where he was a Supervisor. He retired in 1976.

Russ was a member of Normandy United Methodist Church for 60+ years and led a strong Christian life. He loved sports. He was a huge Cincinnati Reds and Bengals fan. He loved Ohio State Football and all sports for Centerville High School, where his 3 children attended. He loved his family, friends and gardening. He had a big heart and he never met a stranger. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was married for 46 years to the love of his life, Norma (Emmons) Meeds, who preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his son-in-law, Walter Dietz; three brothers, Paul, Odus, and Herb; and his sister, Glenna Figel. He is survived by his brother, Robert Meeds (Ina); a son, Mark R. Meeds (Peggy); and two daughters, Linda L. Dietz (Wally) and Karen J. Fultz (Larry); 7 grandchildren: Kelly (Dietz) Axsom (Curtis) and their children, Caven and Alexander Stilson and Conner Axsom, Matthew Dietz (Lisa), Brady Meeds (Heidi) and their children, Magdaleana and Rolland Meeds, Brett Meeds (Aurora), Amanda (Fultz) Hornby (Scott) and their children, Nola and Max Hornby, Kevin Fultz (Cara) and their children, Owen and Macy Fultz, and Justin Fultz.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025 from 10 am to 11 am at Newcomer Funeral Home - Centerville Chapel (820 Miamisburg-Centerville Rd., Dayton, OH 45459). Funeral service will begin at 11 am. Interment will immediately follow at Miami Valley Memorial Gardens with military honors.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Fisher House at the Dayton VA Medical Center (4100 W. Third St., Bldg. 425, Dayton, OH 45428) or Normandy United Methodist Church (450 W. Alex Bell Rd., Dayton, OH 45459).

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