Carl R. Meadows

Carl Rayness Meadows was born May 18, 1920, in Neal, KS to Harry and Ida Hope Meadows. He passed away June 2, 2016 in Joplin, MO. Carl was the fourth of eight children. He grew up on a farm in rural Wilson County in the 44th school district. He was honored for perfect attendance and no tardies for his first eight grades of school. Carl, along with his three brothers, learned the automobile repair and body/fender trade. January 4, 1941, Carl married Zana Mae Deal, also of Wilson County. They had 5 children. After war was declared in 1941, Carl closed his auto repair business to serve in the army. He was a Warrant Officer in the 7th Armored Division and received a Bronze Star for distinguished service in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. Upon returning to Fredonia, following the war, he reopened his body works business. In 1953, he opened a new shop at the corner of 6th and Jefferson. The following year he purchased the Chevrolet Oldsmobile Dealership. In conjunction to these businesses he ran Meadows Auto Salvage and Wrecker Service. On October 3, 1960, Carl Meadows opened the new 8-lane bowling alley, Star Lanes, in Fredonia. In 1966, Carl purchased West 7th Auto Salvage in Joplin, MO and the family moved to that area where they lived for almost 40 years. Upon retiring from the auto salvage he then spent his time farming and running a dirt and gravel business near Carl Junction, MO. They returned to Fredonia in 2004. Carl was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Fredonia. Proceeding him in death was his wife of 72 years, Zana, as well as his parents and 5 siblings, Elwin Mark, Harry Lee, Violet Ferguson, Nancy Sharp; two great-granddaughters, Grace and Faith Meadows. Carl leaves a godly heritage. His survivors include his children Sharon Wilson (Billy), June Hill (David), Tim Meadows (Debbie), Dale Meadows (Tammy) and David Meadows (Brenda) as well as 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. His sisters, Julia Foreman and Delpha Peterson also survive. Celebration of Life Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Monday, June 6, 2016 at Bible Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Sunday, June 5, 2016 at Timmons Funeral Home. Interment will immediately follow the service in Fredonia City Cemetery. Memorial remembrances are suggested to Bible Baptist Church and they may be left at the funeral home.