Cleon Washington Meadows, 1916-2003

  Cleon Washington Meadows was born Jan. 2, 1916, in Elkton, Va., to Bizzeal and Glady Meadows, the oldest of 12 children. He died Friday, July 25, 2003, at the age of 87. He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, four sisters, his first wife, Mary Louise Meadows of 49¾ years and second wife, Lillian Maley Meadows. He is survived by a daughter Barbara A. Weaver of Manassas, a son Donald Ray Meadows of Virginia, a brother James Richard Meadows of Remington, a sister M. Catherine Dvorscak of Vienna, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

  He was a veteran having served in the Army.

  He entered the ministry late in life. For years he was an auto mechanic. He came home one evening and told his family that he had been called to the ministry. On the day of my wedding he received the notification that he had been given his first appointment (four churches in Bath County). I lovingly joked that he was not aware I got married as the news of the appointment was so very important to him. In the reception line people were congratulating him on my marriage and the first thing out of his mouth would be "I just received my first appointment!"

  He performed the marriages of his son, both of my sons — Jimi and Alan Weaver, nieces and nephews, and the baptism of all four of his grandchildren and two of his great-grandchildren. He retired after 25 years in the ministry. All of these were important milestones in his ministry, but probably the most important to him was the baptism of his youngest brother.

  One of my fondest memories was during his first appointment. Not sure if it was the first or second term of that appointment. There was a small church, Bolar, on that charge that sat in the middle of a field with animals walking all around. One Sunday, with my family in attendance, he was preaching the sermon of the Lost Sheep. As if on cue, down the aisle walked a lamb as if he knew that he was being talked about. The congregation thought nothing of this occurrence — but, to say the least, it made an impression on me that is just as vivid now as if it happened yesterday.

  My father touched the lives of many people during his lifetime. One such person was Ronald Jones who entered the ministry because of my father’s influence and his calling from the Lord. There are lots of people I know about and many more that I will never know.

  Daddy retired after 25 years of service. Each of his appointments he enjoyed to its fullest extent. From each of these appointments we, the family, gathered lasting friendships that continue after his death. After retirement he really enjoyed being asked to hold services in various places.

  Music was always a big part of our household. Daddy, brothers, sisters, and spouses all sang and were invited many places for the "special music." Music always held a special place in all of his services as well as in his heart.

  He was a member of Fairfax Masonic Lodge #43 in Culpeper, the Eastern Star Culpeper Chapter #79, and the Ruritan Club.

  He now dwells with the Lord and those who went before him. Daddy always said "If God brings you to it, he will bring you through it."

  Funeral service was held Tuesday, July 29, 2003, with the Rev. Frank James, lifelong friend and fellow retired minister, officiating.