Reverend Fred Meece

MARION – Reverend Fred Albert Meece, 82 of Marion, passed away on Sunday, September 18, 2011 at his home. Visitation for Reverend Meece will be on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 from 5-8 PM at Blue Funeral Home in Marion. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 11 AM in Busby Chapel Church in Goreville with Reverend Ben Eldridge and Reverend Kenny Blumenstock officiating. An hour visitation will be held at the church starting at 10 AM on the day of the funeral. Interment will follow on Wednesday in Busby Cemetery. Memorial donations are suggested to Busby Cemetery; envelopes will be available during the services or may be sent C/O Blue Funeral Home, PO Box 411, Marion, IL, 62959. Reverend Meece was born on June 9, 1929 in Carbondale to Lloyd & Finnie (Borum) Meece. He married Lodemia Dunn on January 6, 1951. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Lodemia; son, Mike & Ellen Meece of Johnston City; grandsons, Aaron Meece and Adam Meece of Johnston City; brother, James & Mary Ann Dunn of Goreville; niece, Trina & Mark Tosh of Tunnel Hill; nephews, Jim Hale of Herrin and David & Chrissy Dunn of Goreville; great-nephews, Marshall & Bethany Dunn of Goreville and Andy & Emily Dunn of Carterville; great-niece, Macie Tosh of Tunnel Hill; great-great-nephew, Mason Dunn and great-great-niece, Emery Beth Dunn. Fred was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Martha Jane Ellis. Reverend Meece was converted and joined Busby Chapel Church in November 1954. He answered the call to preach the Gospel in 1956 and was ordained as a Free Will Baptist Minister in 1958. He served as pastor of ten different Free Will Baptist Churches. Fred attended Murphysboro schools. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company in Peoria, until inducted into the service of his country. He and Lodemia made their home in Ft. Sam Houston, TX, until he was sent to Germany to serve. After his discharge, they returned to Goreville and lived happily there until 1955; at which time they moved to Marion, where they have remained. Reverend Meece was employed by Giles Electric in Marion until a heart condition forced him to retire.