Cecil Kinard Meadows, Sr.

Cecil Kinard Meadows Sr., 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 10:55am on Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Rosewood Care Center in Alton. He was born on July 25, 1920, in Arkansas the son of the late Kinard and Willie Mae Meadows. He married the love of his life, Vivian L. McRae on June 3, 1942, and she survives. Other survivors include one son: Cecil K. Meadows and his wife: Cheryl, a granddaughter: Leslie, a great grandson: Ryan all of St. Louis, Missouri, a granddaughter: Carie Forbes and her husband: William of South Roxana, a daughter: Brenda Sanders and her husband: Dan of East Alton, a grandson Jeffrey Sanders and his wife: Susan, great grandchildren: Timothy, Alyssa, and Jordan, a grandson: Bradley Sanders, and great grandchildren: KayLeigh, and Jake, several nieces, nephews, and their close friends of many years: John and Joanne Crafton. He was formerly employed at General Motors in the truck plant as an inspector for over 25 years. He was a member of the former North Side Assembly of God Church in Godfrey where he served as a board member. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida for over 10 years. He served our country in the 92nd Battalion of the United States Army as a staff sergeant form 1940 to 1945. He received four Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Ribbon, the EAME Service Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal. He served in Normandy, Northern France, and Central Europe. He will be sadly missed by all. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers: Leonard, Arthur B., Delbert, and one sister: Lillian Merriman. In celebration of his life, visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Funeral services will be held at 11am on Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the funeral home. Rev. Erik Scottberg will officiate. Burial will follow at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto will full military rites by the Ritual Team of VFW Post 1308 of Alton. Memorials are suggested to the Cornerstone Church in Bethalto.