Frank R. Meeker, 88, passed away Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at Brookdale Rosehill. Frank was born November 24, 1928 in Houston, Texas to Nile Franklin and Viola (McReynolds) Meeker. Survivors include his wife, Virginia of 40 years, children, Stacey Louise Meeker of Santa Monica, California, Chris Davis of Bonita Springs, Florida, and Timothy Meeker of North Carolina; step-children, Eric Baker of Denver, Colorado, and Jesse Baker of Odgen, Utah; three grandchildren, Emily and Bethany Davis and Sikander Baker-Nagar.  Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife Helen "Dixie" Meeker in 1964, and brother, Larry D. Meeker.

Frank was a social worker, a junior-high school English teacher, a guidance counselor, an admissions counselor and later Director of Fund Development at Rockford College. He worked for the Registrar at Wichita State University-where he also held the title of assistant professor of music-for the Chancellor at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, and for twenty years as manager of Hudco Inc.'s Roto-Rooter franchise in Omaha, Nebraska. He drove hundreds of miles to obtain graduate degrees in social work and library science while he was working full time. Born into a musical family, Frank studied classical piano at the Kansas City Conservatory and began performing as a professional jazz musician at a young age. While his education and colorful career history took him in a number of directions over the years, he remained an active musician until the end of his life. He was a distinctive and universally respected figure in the Kansas City music scene.

He conquered tuberculosis as a young man, read voraciously and widely, and was a walking encyclopedia of sports, music, and movie facts. He loved the St. Louis Cardinals and could name minor cast members in countless movies. As a musician he made lists of hundreds of tunes to carry to gigs without ever needing to refer to them.

Frank was a patient teacher, a wise mentor, and a steadfast friend. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He will be sorely missed and remembered joyfully.

Services

Visitation will be Sunday, April 2, 2017 from 4-6 p.m. at Amos Family Funeral Home 10901 Johnson Drive, Shawnee, Kansas 66203. A Funeral Service will be April 3, 2017, 11a.m., also at the funeral home.

Contributions

Memorial contributions in Frank's name may be made to:

Kansas City Federation of Musicians Local 34-627

11 East Gregory Blvd., Suite #300

Kansas City, Missouri 64114

The American Lung Association

6701 W. 64th St., Suite #110

Shawnee Mission, Kansas 66202

or the charity of your choice.