Donald "Donnie" Meeks Obituary

Donald "Donnie" Ray Meeks, 74, of Grand Junction, CO, and formerly of Robinson, IL, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Born March 1, 1951, in Robinson, Donnie was one of the many children of Oscar & Joan (Piercefield) Meeks. Life on the Gramby Place out in the country shaped him early—barefoot summers at the Embarras River, long days under the sun, and family stories that lived on long after the days themselves had passed. He grew up tough, resourceful, and fiercely independent—traits that would define him all his life.

Donnie's road wasn't an easy one. He lost his sight at just 20 years old after a long battle with glaucoma and cataracts. Fifty surgeries and countless struggles later, he finally set his glasses down for a nap—and never needed them again. But losing his sight didn't slow him down. He went everywhere he wanted, did everything he wanted, and lived life on his terms.

In the spring of 1981, Donnie met his future wife, Debbie, at the Illinois Visually Handicapped Institute, and their connection quickly deepened. They married on October 16, 1982, and together, they built a life shaped by perseverance and partnership. Before long, their daughter, Connie, came along, filling Donnie's life with new purpose and joy. Some of his favorite memories were made in those early years with her. He loved taking Connie with him wherever he went—especially to Judy's Café, where mornings often began with coffee and conversation among friends. Connie would ride along as Donnie pulled her in her little red wagon, sharing the journey together. What may have seemed like simple outings became something more—moments of connection that became lasting treasures for them both.

That same desire to connect with others is what drew him to CB radio. With his guide dog, a golden retriever named Cedar, inspiring his handle "Red Cedar," Donnie spent countless hours talking to people all across the nation, building friendships that stretched far beyond any state line. And of course, he told stories—always stories. Whether swapping tales over the radio or reminiscing with family about the Gramby Place, the river, or the adventures (and misadventures) of growing up, Donnie's memories became part of the fabric of everyone who knew him. And if you knew Donnie, you probably knew this one—his infamous fear of snakes. It was the stuff of family legend. One of the most retold stories came from the time when his eyesight was nearly gone and, mistaking a garden hose for an unwelcome guest, he attacked it with a shovel!

In July of 1994, Donnie and his family moved from Robinson to Grand Junction, CO, drawn west by his deep love for the mountains. He quickly found his rhythm in Colorado, though the things that made him happiest never changed. CB radios, classic country music, and sunshine—those were the things that could make Donnie's day. He could sit outside for hours, even in the hottest weather, content with a menthol cigarette in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other, Loretta Lynn, Jim Reeves, or Hank Williams singing away in the background. His love for Loretta was legendary—and he counted hearing her live at the Grand Ole Opry among his fondest memories. He also loved the comforts of home. If you asked him what his favorite meal was, he wouldn't hesitate: homemade meatloaf with fried taters, his mom's homemade noodles, and persimmon pudding for dessert.

Sure, Donnie could be a little grouchy and cantankerous—especially if he ran out of cigarettes—but beneath that rough exterior was a man with a fierce love for his family, a heart full of memories, and a storyteller's gift that made old memories feel as fresh as yesterday, no matter how many years had gone by. And now, it's our turn to carry those stories—to remember his laughter, his grit, his love—and to ensure that his story lives on in each of us.

That story will be cherished and retold by those who knew him best and loved him most. He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law, Connie Meeks & Joshua Awbery (Grand Junction, CO); by his grandchildren, Cason Shoebridge (Grand Junction, CO) and Cassie Shoebridge (Grand Junction, CO); and by his former spouse, Debbie Meeks (Grand Junction, CO).

He also leaves behind his brothers & sisters-in-law, Richard & Sandy Meeks (Oblong, IL), Gary Wayne Meeks (Robinson, IL), Charles Wesley & Jenny Meeks (Oblong, IL), and Robert "Bobby" Joe Meeks (Independence, MO); his sisters & brothers-in-law, Kathryn & Ron McCord, Beatrice "Bea" Abernathy, Carol Ann & Wayne Wolf, and Sandra Kay LeGrand (all of Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar & Joan Meeks; by his brothers, Russell James Meeks, Larry Gene Meeks, Ronald Lee Meeks, Leonard Meeks; and by his sisters, Patricia Ann Kingery, Evelyn Louise Meeks, Janet Myers, Marilyn Smith, and Cheryl Ann Meeks.

In keeping with his wishes, Donnie will be cremated, and his remains will be laid to rest in the Robinson New Cemetery at a later date. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is assisting the family with these arrangements.