84, of Barnhart died March 29, 2024. Ron was born December 10, 1939, in East St. Louis, Illinois to parents Elmer and Laura (Koch). Ron was the second of five children. He grew up in St. Louis City, near the zoo, and attended school at McBride High School in St. Louis, graduating in 1958. Ron was drafted into the Army on April 5, 1963, and served in the 7th Administration Corps, stationed in Korea, until his discharge on March 29, 1965.
Ron’s first and only love has been Jeanne. Ron and Jeanne met in school when they were children. They were married May 1, 1961, at St. Aloysius Gonzaga. They were blessed with two sons, Michael and Joseph. Ron and Jeanne have been members of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Imperial for 47 years. They were active and dedicated members of the Missouri Citizens for Life, and in their time together, Ron and Jeanne had the unique privilege of fostering 97 infants in their home. In his free time, Ron enjoyed years of creating ceramics by Jeanne’s side, cheering on their St. Louis Cardinals, and was driven by his endless creativity to build.
Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Laura, and his son, Michael. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jeanne (Griffin) Merideth; Son, Joseph (Jada) Merideth; three granddaughters, Micka (Nathaniel) Goodrich, Lacey Schwantner, and Avery Isa Merideth; one grandson, Matthew Schwantner; two great-grandsons; brothers, Robert Merideth and Richard (Karen) Merideth; two sisters, Dorothy (Jim) Brune and Eileen Merideth.
Visitation will be Wednesday April 3rd at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 10-11 a.m. followed by a funeral mass at 11.
Dear Jeanne, Joe and family. In our 50 year friendship we have experienced joy and sorrow in our families. My sincere sympathy to you as you work your way through this time of grieving. God bless and strengthen you. With love, Dorothy McKenna