Forrest P Meek *
Peoria – Forrest Phillip (Phil) Meek, 87, passed lovingly into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Saturday March 31, 2018 at his home in Peoria, AZ. He was surrounded by family members at the time of his passing.
Forrest was born in Battle Creek, MI on June 28, 1930 to Jack Wayne and Alma LaMoyne (Piatt) Meek. He graduated from Coldwater High School in 1948 and completed Argubright Business College in October 1950. On March 31, 1951, he married Elizabeth (Betty/Beth) Faye Williams of Colon, MI. They were married 67 years to the day at his time of death.
Forrest enlisted in the National Guard in 1948 and later transferred to the Air Force. He became an officer in 1957. He served for several years in personnel and was eventually selected for assignment to the Pentagon. He was promoted to Lt. Colonel in February 1974 and retired from the Pentagon in August 1977. During his military service he acquired a BS degree in Economics and was awarded with several medals and service ribbons.
After retirement Forrest purchased a printing franchise (International Minute Press) in Phoenix, AZ. He and Beth ran a prosperous business together for almost 20 years, which they sold in February 1997. Forrest was active in The Exchange Club of Phoenix and The Kiwanis Club. Forrest and Beth were long-time members of Arcadia Gospel Fellowship in Phoenix, AZ.
Forrest is survived by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth, son Phillip (Tracy) Meek of Bellevue IA, daughter Valerie (Mike) Pollock of Leonard TX, daughter Susan (Adam) Mehlhaff of Peoria AZ, 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, brother George of Burr Oak MI, brother Clinton (Kay) of Sturgis MI, sister Clova (Mel) Self of Marana AZ, sister Margaruette (Donald) Subaran of Fontana CA, sister Kay (Lee) Moreno of Tucson AZ, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, baby daughter Sherilyn and brother Jack.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday April 8, 2018 at Schipper’s Funeral Home, 308 S. Blackstone Ave., Colon MI. A memorial service will be held on April 21, 2018 at 11:00 am at Arcadia Gospel Fellowship, 4233 N. 40th Street, Phoenix, AZ. In lieu of flowers at this service, the family asks that donations be made to Arcadia Gospel Fellowship in remembrance of Forrest.
Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 6, 2018.