Calvin A. Meeds, 73, of Mount Vernon, MO, a loving husband, father and grandfather went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, March 18, 2024.

Calvin, was born on November 1, 1950 in Miami, OK to Calvin D. and Dixie (Cunningham) Meeds Onderdonk. After graduating from Larned High School Calvin attended Baptist Bible College in Springfield, MO where he met his loving wife of 53 years Deborah Lasater Meeds. Calvin and Debi have two children; a son, Ret. US Army Ranger Bryan Meeds and their daughter Rebekah Meeds Rash.

Calvin was a proud Army veteran having served from December 1970 to March 1972 and completing one tour in Vietnam. During his time in the military Calvin was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Air Medal with V Device Expert Marksman Badge, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry andtheVietnamCampaign Medal. After the military Calvin entered into full time ministry. Calvin served as pastor in several churches across Texas before he and his family served as missionaries in South Korea for ten years.

Calvin was an avid outdoorsman all through his life. Loving to spend time hunting or fishing whenever he could. He was also an avid motorcycle enthusiast and this love along with his commitment to helping fellow combat veterans led him to join the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association where Calvin “Big Papa” proudly served as his chapter’s chaplain.

Calvin is survived by his loving wife Debi Meeds, son Ret. US Army Ranger Bryan Meeds; daughter Rebekah Meeds Rash; grandsons Trevor Rash, Mason Rash, US Airman Brandyn Meeds and granddaughter Katie Werkmeister; sisters Alberta and John Pavlik, Debbie & Craig Levering, Linda Damm and Dixie Croston; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Buchanan Funeral Home with Bobby Lasater officiating. Interment and military honors followed at the Spring River Cemetery, Verona. Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Friday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions have been suggested to your local CVMA Chapter or the American Red Cross. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett, MO.