Norman Meeker

Norman was born to Alberta (Smith) and Ross Meeker in Davenport, Iowa, on December 28, 1928. He grew up in Indiana and graduated as Salutatorian of Veedersburg High School. Upon graduation, he joined the Army in 1948 and served in the recon platoon of the 89th Medium Tank Battalion during the Korean War. He earned a Bronze Star with a V and a Purple Heart during his service. While he was stationed at Eta Jima, Japan, he met his future wife, Misako Yokoyama (Violet to family and friends). He returned to the States with his bride in 1951.
After completing a proofreader's apprenticeship at RR Donnelley in Crawfordsville, Indiana, he became an undergraduate at Wabash College. Upon graduation from Wabash, he went on to earn a Masters Degree at Purdue University. He served many years as an administrator at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Upon his retirement from the university, he and Misako moved to Gulf Breeze, Florida.
They both enjoyed the Gulf Breeze community, participated in many tennis program, learned ballroom dancing, attended opera activities and regularly competed in the Florida Senior Games. He won innumerable gold medals for his competition in the 100m, 400m , 800m individual and relay track races. When he was 80, Norman had the second fastest recorded time in the world in the 400 meter individual event.
Norman also wrote a book about his Korean War experiences, "Shouting On the Way."
Norman is survived by his beloved wife of over 67 years, daughter; Lorelei Meeker (Geoffrey Grodner); grandson, Andrew Meeker Grodner (Cara Caddo); sister, Nola Trinkle; cousin, Dick Meeker (De') and his family; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A time of visitation with the family will be held from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Friday, November 9, 2018 at Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Visitation