Robie Meeks' Obituary
Robie Meeks
June 5, 1925 – December 29, 2020
Robie Meeks was born on June 5th, 1925 in Villa Ridge Illinois to Elbert Meeks and Ann R. Wade.
He was the oldest of his siblings, with two younger sisters Katherine Gillespie and Ollie Smith.
Robie’s legacy includes his nephew Harold Gillespie and niece Veronica Gillespie.
Robie was a Veteran of World War II where he served as a Sheet Metal Mechanic for The Tuskegee Airmen Regiment in the U.S. Army Air Corps (AAC), a precursor of the U.S. Air Force at that time.
Following World War II Robie continued his military career in the Korean War, where he served in the Air Force. During this time, he excelled to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant Chief (SMSG) (E-8).
After the Korean War and retiring from the Air Force, Robie established himself in San Diego where he began his career at North Island’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest as a Sheet Metal Mechanic. He had an outstanding career of Recognition, Promotions, and Several Commendations. His career spanned a total of 70 years of combined service in the U.S. Armed Forces and Federal Civil Service.
During the middle of his career he met a wonderful woman who would soon change his life. Her name was Ruth Garcia.
Robie met Ruth here in San Diego where he knew shortly after meeting her that she was the one he wanted to Marry.
Robie and Ruth shared a wonderful marriage and loving family for 33 years until her unfortunate passing in 2011.
Robie continued living his remaining years here in San Diego still working as a Sheet Metal Mechanic until his retirement in 2015 at the age of 90.
His legacy with his wife Ruth has 6 children who are:
Robert Cesena, Ruth Ortiz, Michelle Cesena, Monica Gonzalez, Martha Hernandez and Patricia Garcia.
Along with their Children are 17 Grandchildren who include:
Robert Cesena, Richard Cesena, Clemente Ortiz IV, Victor Ortiz, Adelita Nakama, Rachel Ortiz, Felipe Ortiz, Antonio Ortiz, Jonathan Zuluaga, Angelica Zuluaga, Raul Gonzalez, Monique Carroll, Erica Cruz, Jesse Hernandez, Melissa Hernandez, Elizabeth Romero and Andrea Romero.
From those Grandchildren there are 20 Great Grandchildren who consist of:
Ciena, Ariana, Alexander, Jacob, Angel, Alex, Anthony, Victor, Julie, Delilah, Leo, Karina, Michael, Lana, Jathan, Levi, Maddox, Gisselle, Issac and Dominic.
Along with his enjoyment of Family and Friends Robie spent time with his passions of Photography, Film Development, Engineering and Fabricating tools alongside many of countless projects. The world has suffered the loss of a Gentlemen who had such a unique outlook on life where he put his footprint of Artistry, Ingenuity and Creativity. He will be truly missed.
What’s your fondest memory of Robie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robie?
Share a story where Robie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robie you’ll never forget.
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