Harold Meese

Harold A. Meese, age 93, of Sugarcreek, passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2009, in Union Hospital at Dover following complications of pneumonia.Born on February 9, 1916, Harold was born at Beidler, the area of Tuscarawas County now known as Goshen; and was the son of the late Millard G. and Edna (Francis) Meese.Harold graduated from Midvale High School and continued his formal education at The Ohio State University where he obtained both his bachelor’s degree and later his master’s degree.In 1943, Harold was drafted into the United States Army, where he served in the 883rd Division Field Artillery in the 70th Division where he held assignments in both France and Germany.Prior to being drafted, however, Harold began what later became a life long career as an educator; where he taught at the former Uhrich Street School at Uhrichsville, Ohio. Upon his return from the Army, Harold returned to the Uhrichsville School District before moving on to Harrison, Ohio where he served as an elementary school principal. Harold went on to serve at Bryan, Ohio as the elementary principal of Park School and Washington School. A position at Tallmadge, Ohio afforded him the opportunity to provide his experience as an educator in another capacity; where not only did he continue his tenure as a principal, but also was utilized to serve as the district’s curriculum coordinator. Mr. Meese would later move on to Lima, Ohio and continue in the education field as a curriculum coordinator; and then return to a principal’s position in the Eastwood School at Warrensville Heights, Ohio. A final principal’s position at Nordonia Hills Schools, Rushwood School, wrapped up a 35 year tenure to the education community for Harold.In addition to the education of others, Harold was a die-hard fan of The Ohio State University Buckeyes. He also enjoyed golfing and gardening and took great enjoyment in tending to his flower gardens and tomato plants in the summer months.Harold is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, the former Doris Dunlap, whom he married on June 25, 1941; two sons, James E. (Fay) Meese of Zanesville, Ohio, and Eugene (Donna) Meese of Truro, Nova Scotia; a brother, Norman E. (Molly) Meese of Bowling Green, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Ruth Meese and Dorothy Dunlap; and a brother-in-law, Art Heidenreich.Two grandchildren, Zachary (Tanya) Meese and Kayla Meese; twin great-grandchildren, Conner and Ainsley Meese as well as numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.In addition to his parents, Harold was preceded in death by two brothers, Millard Meese and David Meese; and a sister, Mildred Heidenreich.Family and friends will gather in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia between 10:00 and 10:30 AM on Saturday, June 13, 2009, to form a procession to the cemetery. A graveside service will be led by Pastor Welton Stein in the Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia beginning at 11:00 AM. Military graveside services will be given by the Carl C. Stoller Post 1445 of the New Philadelphia VFW.Following the burial, the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center at New Philadelphia where a meal will be shared.The family requests that memorial contributions in Harold’s name be directed to the First United Church of Christ, 526 W Main Street, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681