DONALD MEIRICK

Donald Meirick, 84, of Mt. Vernon, Missouri, passed away at 9:00 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2022, at the Mt. Vernon Place Care Center surrounded by loved ones. Don was born September 8, 1938. He was one of eight children born to Walter and Agnes Rose (Miller) Meirick. He grew up in Iowa and the Mt. Vernon area.

He is survived by his wife, of 45 years, Holly (Renfro) Meirick; three sons, Zane Meirick, Rafe Meirick (wife Libby), and Cody Meirick (wife Or’Shaundra); a foster son, Steven Gradney (wife Megan), as well as eight grandchildren. Other survivors include siblings, Carolyn Spradling of Springfield, Kaye Woods (husband Walter) of Stotts City, and Jane Nelson (husband Glenn) of Mt. Vernon. Also, four sisters-in-law, Klista Meirick, Linda Meirick, Judy Meirick, and Joanie Meirick as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Walter, and Agnes; stepson, Jason (Rocky) McGaugh; four brothers, Joe, Bob, Herb, and Dave Meirick and brother-in-law, Mart Spradling.

He is a proud graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, attending from 1958-1962. After serving a number of years in the merchant marines sailing out of New Orleans and San Francisco ports, he spent three years as a professional gambler in Las Vegas, Reno, and the Caribbean. Other pursuits included training at Hamburger University and work as a manager of McDonald’s, owning and managing a liquor store in Springfield, and managing the St. Susanne and Southwind apartments in Mt. Vernon for over 20 years.

But his main vocation was teaching. Don taught two years with the department of defense at Lakenheath Air Force Base outside London, and then went on to teach and entertain thousands of math students in the Mt. Vernon area for over 20 years.

He enjoyed vacations with Holly and the kids, boating on numerous Missouri lakes, as well as coaching and attending basketball and other sporting events, first with his sons and then his grandchildren.

A funeral service under the direction of the Fossett-Mosher Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, was held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, October 28, 2022, at St. Susanne Catholic Church in Mt. Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made payable to the humane society.
https://www.swh.org

Online condolences may be shared at www.FossettMosherFuneralHome.com or his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/don.meirick.