Robert L. Meacham

Robert L. Meacham, 82, of Lafayette, died at 6:05 a.m. Sunday, March 18, 2012, at St. Mary Healthcare Center.

Robert was born Aug. 2, 1929 in Tippecanoe County, the son of the late Raymond and Gladys Ade Meacham.

He graduated from Montmorenci High School and received his bachelor's degree in forestry and master's degree in education from Purdue University.

He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1951 to 1955.

Robert had lived most of his life in Tippecanoe County, living for a brief time in Greencastle from 1994 to 2004.

Robert was married on Aug. 20, 1986 in Lafayette to Diane Shoemaker Newman, and she survives.

He was employed by the Lafayette School Corporation as a teacher for 33 years, teaching at Tecumseh Middle School and retiring in 1989. He also coached and was the athletic director there for 25 years.

Robert was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, American Legion Post 11, and various professional education organizations.

He enjoyed flower gardening, fishing, painting and spending time with his family. Robert was a fan of the Chicago Cubs, the Indianapolis Colts, and Purdue sports.

Surviving with his wife, Diane, are five children, Deborah (husband Mark) Bruggeman of Tell City, Karen (husband Jiro) Ishikawa of Sunnyvale, Calif., Thomas (wife Cyndi) Meacham of Lafayette, Timothy Meacham of Brookston, and Steven (wife Lydia) Meacham, also of Lafayette; three stepchildren, Michelle (husband Brian) VanHorn and Eric (wife Beth) Newman, both of Lafayette, and Jennifer Newman of Sarasota, Fla.; two brothers, William (wife Virginia) Meacham and James (wife Millie) Meacham, both of Lafayette; and a sister, Linda (husband Gary) Bennett of West Lafayette.

Robert is also survived by 17 grandchildren, two stepgrandchildren, six great-grandchildren and four step-great-grandchildren.

Visitation is set for 5-7 p.m. Wednesday at Hippensteel Funeral Home, Lafayette, and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. service Thursday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1005 N. 21st St., Pastor David Doane officiating.

Burial will follow at Wesley Chapel Cemetery, Floyd Township in Putnam County with military honors.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church or the Salvation Army.

Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com