COLONEL JOSEPH RUSSELL MEACHAM — USA Retired
June 21, 1919 – September 26, 2015
Col. J. Russell Meacham passed away September 26 while peacefully sleeping at the age of 96. Russ Meacham was born in Afton, Wyoming on June 21, 1919 to J. Arthur and Emily (Andersen) Meacham. Russ’ childhood years were spent in Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah.
Col. Meacham dedicated 29 years of his life to the United States Army upon his commission May 30, 1941 through June 30, 1970. Highlights of his military career were participation in World War II–including Pacific Theater assignments on Guadalcanal, New Guinea and the Philippine Islands–and in the Vietnam War with 288 sorties; as well as overseas assignments in Germany, Japan, and Thailand. Stateside assignments included Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Wisconsin and Colorado. Col. Meacham served as the Army’s Information Officer. Military Awards include The Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster and The Bronze Star Medal for Ground Operations against Hostile Forces in Vietnam.
Scholarly achievements include a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Utah State University and a Master’s of Science Degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin.
Russ Meacham was a 5th generation member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities, including Bishop for 5 years and performing sealing marriages in the Denver temple for 19 years. Russ was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Shirlee A. Meacham and grandchild, Jeffery A. Meacham. He is survived by his two children, Jay R. Meacham (wife Alicia) and Kathleen A. Smith of Colorado Springs, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 1st at the LDS Chapel, 6950 Shoup Rd., Colorado Springs, CO. Visitation is 12:45 – 1:45 pm with funeral services following at 2 pm.
A private burial will be held at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO.