Let it be known that on May 11,2021, the road trip for John Richard Meeks, 76, of Butte, MT, ended due to an internal distributor fault that impacted his horsepower and torque, causing overheating and triggering a stalling condition. He was born on November 8, 1944 to John T. and Betty Jane (Markey) Meeks in Cambridge, Ohio and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Wing Spooner on July 24, 1981 in Bozeman, MT.
John’s employment ran the gamut from a Mobil Oil marketing representative, Gym Manager, IRS Auditor and Instructor and H&R Block Manager, to the owner of the “Custer’s Last Standard” Gas Station in Billings where his slogan was “We will surround you with service.” More recently, he owned and managed Rocker Repair and Tire and was a bus driver for the Ramsay School for close to 29 years.
John was preceded in death by his appendix, several painful kidney stones (good riddance) and his dignity when he got his first colonoscopy. The doctor sure was surprised to read on John’s butt: “DANGER: Exit Only”, which John had his wife write in indelible marker. John used to say he was trapped in a body that continued to age while his maturity level stalled out at puberty.
He was an avid Corvette enthusiast, a skilled race car driver (both autocross and drag), a dedicated weight lifter, a wild downhill skier, a fantastic father, a great card player, and always the most fun person at any party. The Captain Morgan and Diet Pepsi companies are distraught over John’s loss.
John was a first-generation college graduate, earning a BS in Business from Indiana University when he returned from Vietnam. He enlisted in the 101st Airborne of the Army from June 1963 to July 1969. Ever the thrill seeker, he loved jumping out of airplanes, yet he also knew the horror of war and felt he wasn’t patriotically serving his country the way he had envisioned. Later, he refused to forward any rah-rah “support-the-military-no-matter-what” emails as a small demonstration of his anti-war proclivities.
Living in the country brings lots of encounters with nuisance wildlife, but John held a deep reverence for life in all its forms. He live trapped and re-located numerous pack rats, chipmunks, a raccoon (twice), stray cats and, yes, a live skunk. He even rescued a couple of orphaned Bambis and delivered them to the Montana Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. He was most known for his humor, but he’d stop his truck to help a snake cross the road safely.
He was predeceased by his parents, Betty Jane (Markley) and John T. Meeks and 11 beloved Great Dane rescues: Duke, Amber, DJ, Prism, Duke the 2nd, Merlin, Neptune, Lola, Tessie, Gracie and Moose.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years and two non-deadbeat children, Cassidy Minda Meeks and Wesley Spooner (Chandra Lee Moles) Meeks. He is also survived by his brother, James David (Cheri) Meeks, two sisters-in-law: Suzanne (Paul) Spooner-Munch and Kiriyo (Marilyn Hollinger) Spooner, six nieces, and numerous grand-nieces and nephews.
In addition, he is survived by most of the students who rode his school bus. Connecting with kids was one of John’s superpowers. They loved him dearly despite the signs on his bus that read: “The beatings will continue until morale improves” and “When I die I hope I go quietly in my sleep, not screaming like the kids on my bus!” His students will probably never forget his corny jokes and teasing. A fond greeting he commonly used was “Good morning, my little fart blossom!”
Making others laugh brought him a special joy of accomplishment that only a lively, generous sense of humor can bring. He approached life with an attitude of playfulness and was able to see the fun in everyday experiences. Whether it was answering the telephone with “This is the Four Queens Massage Parlor” (a former brothel in Butte’s days of yor’) or exclaiming “Cool Beans”, John could always find something outrageous, unexpected or silly that we could all laugh at including his 1939 Pirate School Bus that he often drove in Butte parades.
Yet John was deeply spiritual and always closed his annual, humorous Christmas newsletters with a message of love and peace. One of his favorite books was Conversations with God, which he loved to explain to his family. He contributed many hours to the Butte Unity Church and gave generously to Ramsay School fundraisers, 4-H, and to the Lost Creek Raceway. He was a big brother in the Big Brother and Sisters’ organization and supported lots of local causes. He had a generous spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Butte Unity Church, 300 S. Montana, Butte, MT or perform a random act of kindness in John’s name.
Everyone is asked to wear a funny T-shirt or Hawaiian shirt to a Celebration of Life service to be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, July 31 at the Butte Unity Church. Participants will be invited to wear one of John’s many funny hats or a pair of Groucho Marx glasses, which he said he wanted folks to do long before the onset of his Alzheimer’s. The family is grateful for the care he received at the Community Nursing Home of Anaconda where he lived for the last two years.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of John.
Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for John and his family.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
3:00 p.m.
Saturday July 31, 2021
Butte Unity Church
300 S. Montana St.
Butte, MT 59701
Reception
Following the service
Saturday July 31, 2021
Bert Mooney Airport Terminal
Harrison Ave.
Butte, Montana 59711
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Mark Johnson says
R I P my friend God Bless
Mary Jo Giacomino says
John will be missed by all he came in contact with. He reinforced my faith in humanity when he showed up at the hospital after the birth of my daughter. He is now at peace with our father. Please pray for is all John.
Jean Bauer says
so sorry for his passing. I never met your husband Wing but he sounds like he lived life to the upmost. He will keep all upstairs in good company and in good humor. Bless his heart ❤
Kathy Henningsen says
Dearest Wing and family, much love and peace. John will be ever loved and missed. Kathy and Fred Henningsen
Susie Ridgeway says
Larry and I have lots of good memories of John, (Jack) as he was known to us at the time since this was back in high school. We are sorry to hear of his passing. We wish we could be there in our Hawaiian shirts to help in his celebration of life.
Larry & Susie Ridgeway
LaDene Bowen says
This breaks our hearts. John was one of the most engaging individuals I have met. Laughter is such a healing reaction…John’s humor and intelligence touched me for over 35 years! Rest In Peace, my dear friend. Bless you, Wing, Cassidy and Wesley. Remember you were greatly loved by this great man.
Diane Robinson says
“Jack” as we called him growing up in the Indianapolis neighborhood was a lifelong extra-special friend of my brother Warren. John was responsible for Warren getting his military disability. He helped him through many very traumatic years: financially, socially, and emotionally. John also helped Warren’s son post-prison. John and Wing made sure Warren had a decent burial and they handled post-death details even though John was already getting sick. He was a blessing to our whole family. May he rest in peace.
Parker Moles says
John was a great person with an amazing sense of humor. He will be forever missed but never forgotten.
Sally Bardsley says
What an exceedingly delightful, smart, funny, talented, cute, etc. man–a great loss to his loved ones and the world. In the afterlife, I imagine John delighting celestials, his inimitable spirit and spark a joy to all.
Bud Eveland says
An amazing man and friend. GOD bless you and family John, you will be sorely missed.
Link to a Google photo album with some pics of John and family;
https://photos.app.goo.gl/YB9nU8CjG6tTL6pj8
Michelle Haumberger says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of his wit and humor. Every memory I have of John and my time spent with him and his family is full of laughter. The ending of one particular song that he always had Cassidy sing sticks out “yahoo buckaroo” love, hugs and prayers to the Meeks family.
gerald pushard says
What a sad day for me.. John was a great friend and I will truly miss him. He was the BEST co bus driver I ever had..We had some great times while driving school busses for Ramsay School Dist #3
I will miss you BIG JOHN ::: Heaven now has one of the best drivers in the world..
May GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU SAFE TILL WE MEET AGAIN, IN HEAVEN..
YOUR TRUE FRIEND Jerry Pushard
Anna Duran-Dockter says
I am saddened to hear of John’s passing. We had served on the Big Brothers/Sisters board so very long ago…Wesley, Cassidy and Wing,all our love to you, he was the best guy
Jim meeks says
John was a great brother. I will miss him and I regret that my children and grandchildren didn’t get to know him due to living so far apart. I praise God that John found a wonderful wife in Beth. I pray that Beth, Cassidy, and Wesley will find comfort in knowing he is free from that prison he was in. Love and prayers to you all.
Frank & Franki Weitzel says
John will be missed greatly, we are so very sorry Wing and family. We have great memories from his larger than life personnel. Condolences to you and your family.
Sheridan Miles G says
I feel that I met a little bit of John through Cassidy”s sense of humor.
Kiriyo Spooner says
John was a remarkable person, full of both humor and love. I hold my memories of him close, and will always carry him in my heart. Much love to the the family, and I’ll see you all at the memorial service.
Andrea Forsberg says
Dear Wing and family ,
I was truly blessed to have the pleasure of taking care of John for the past two years . Having read all these memories shared now explains so much of who he was and his amazing sense of humor . I always loved how he had a special twinkle in his eyes when we talked to him or how his face would light up each time Wing would call and tell him she loved him . He would smile so big . He had an amazing smile that was absolutely heart warming. I will truly miss him . Thoughts of peace and comfort to all of you .
Andrea
David & Sheena Jennings says
Dearest Wing, Cassidy & Wesley
Our love and prayers are with you at this time. We miss our friend our friend and hope he was still smiling and thinking of new jokes to entertain in heaven. His sense of humor was endless as was his care and concern for others. He will always be in our memories as our first friend here in Montana along with you three.We will see you soon and remember him as a gentle soul.
Love David and Sheena
Dana Allen says
I am so lucky to have known John and his family. I am sure he will still be doing his best to win at cards. Thank you for being a part of my life. And thank you for all the many jokes. Life was brighter with you around.
Jamie Tamietti Martin says
Sorry to hear of his passing. John was definitely one of a kind. He never missed stopping and saying hi and always with a little humor, my children loved him as a bus driver. RIP friend. Prayers to all the family
Natalie Scribner says
This news hurts me. John was one of my most favorite people growing up. He always told the best jokes and his laugh was so infectious! Wing, Cassidy, Wesley – my heart goes out to you all. Xoxo
Holli Jo Soll says
Thank you Kindly wing.
I have marked my calendar.
I have known John longer than I knew him well… Only from church. He is such a jovial guy, Whom I took a liking to immediately. I am a joke teller myself and I know people enjoy that.
I have attended many services…….
This may be the most memorable memorial I have ever read and certainly exploits >>>Johns <<< personality.
I can tell that you two have a beautiful Potpourri of wonderful Friends which I am among.
Kim Flanick says
I was one of the lucky ones that got to ride John’s school bus. He was not only funny, he was solid in helping kids. He was a great counselor and had a way of lighting the candles of the kids who didn’t believe in themselves. He will be missed! Beautiful tribute to his life. Sending my love and condolences to you all.
Sara Brackett says
I was a child on his school bus!!! I will remember his kindness and his chocolate donuts he would bring for us to eat!!!
Dennis and Susan Ellis says
Jack was a special friend who will be missed. Our parents were best friends and got together often to play cards. Jack was always the entertainment and loved to tell his jokes. His humor was a gift inherited from his mother Betty. We shared many laughs and a few close calls along the way. Even though we did not see each other very often after he moved to Montana, we have a lot of great memories. Heaven has received a wonderful man. Condolences to Beth, Cassidy, and Wesley God Bless
Zanne Spooner-Munch says
John would light up any room he entered and certainly leaves an indelible smile on all our hearts. His kindness and generosity are only matched by his wit and care for the world. You will be sincerely missed, dear John.
Cheryl Peterslie says
Oh Wing! I’m so sorry to see this. I absolutely LOVE this obituary!! So clever!! And sooooo John Meeks!!! I know the past several years have been difficult for you all, and I know that he is in a better place. But it is still so sad!! I remember his crazy sense of humor and wit! Always fun times remembered, although so long ago!
Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family at this sad time!
Cheryl
Joan Carelli says
We were so. very sorry to read of your loss of John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Bill and Joan Carelli
Deirdre Caughlan says
Wing
I only briefly knew John, but I felt an great kinship to him. I wish I had known him in his prime. He sounds as if he lived life at its fullest. My sympathies for the loss of this wonderful man.
Kim and Rick Lange says
Always remember you John. ALways made us laugh. Be at peace.
Esther Rohach and Quincy Rohach says
Wing and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories close to your heart and they will help you get through this difficult time. May John Rest In Peace and may God be with all of you.
Diane Doble McLaughlin says
Dear Wing & Family, I am so Sorry! : ( John was just hilarious and it didn’t stop there. I think his Heart was even bigger than the World itself!!! This write up is just so perfect. Take care! Sending you my Hugs & Prayers!