Roy D. Meeks

April 18, 1932 - September 15, 2023

St. John's Episcopal Church

600 Ferry Street

Lafayette, Indiana 47901

Saturday 9/30, 11:00 am

Roy was a graduate of Mt. Hermon Preparatory School, Mt. Herman, MA and attended Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA before earning a degree in Economics from Brown University, Providence, RI. In 1955 he completed U. S. Naval Officer’s Candidate School and served on the ice breaker U.S.S. Atka both in the Arctic and Antarctic. He achieved the rank of LT while completing his service in the U.S Naval Intelligence Reserves.

Roy married Frances McLallen Meeks in July of 1955, she preceded him in death in 2016. They came to Lafayette in 1958 to build and operate the Howard Johnson Motor Lodge and Restaurant on US 52. Later, he developed the property at I-65 and South St as owner/operator of the hotel that has had several franchise affiliations including Howard Johnson, Radisson, Best Western and currently DoubleTree by Hilton. Roy was also a real estate developer of several properties in the Lafayette area.

Roy served on many professional and community Board of Directors including: Lafayette Bank & Trust, Lafayette & West Lafayette Convention and Tourism Bureau, Indiana Restaurant Association, Greater Lafayette Progress, Howard Johnson National Operators Council, St. Elizabeth Hospital Lay Advisory, Junior Achievement, Lafayette Symphony Foundation, Lafayette County Club and Lafayette Art Museum. He was a member of Rotary Club of Lafayette, John Purdue Club, Purdue President’s Council, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and St John’s Episcopal Church.

He received several hospitality and business awards over the years and was made Sagamore of the Wabash by Indiana Governor Robert Orr.

He was a world traveler, visiting numerous countries on all continents. He enjoyed golf, bridge, fishing, reading, stamp collecting, and attending Purdue sporting events.

Together with Fran they had two sons Carson Meeks (Janet) of Delray Beach FL and Cyrus (Kathy) of West Lafayette, IN and three grandchildren, Katey Meeks, Carley Meeks and Andrew Meeks. Also surviving is one brother Gary Meeks of Lafayette. He was preceded in death by his older brother George Meeks.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 30 at 11:00a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church, Fr. Bradley Pace officiating. A reception will follow the service at the church. Those wishing may contribute to St. John’s Episcopal Church or the Lafayette Symphony Orchestra.

Soller-Baker Funeral Homes, Inc.

Mark Fruitt

Jimmie G. Ennis

Light a candle

Roy D. Meeks, 91, of West Lafayette passed away Friday, September 15, 2023, peacefully in his home of kidney disease. He was born in Vancouver, Canada to the late Nelson P. and Marie Razumovich Meeks. Roy was a graduate of Mt. Hermon Preparatory School, Mt. Herman, MA and attended Whitman College, Walla Walla, WA beforeContinue Reading

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RIP Roy and thank you for the opportunities you afforded me at Best Western/Hour Time and Buccaneer Bay.

Rest peacefully Roy. Roy Meeks is the reason I became a hospitality professional. He gave me a chance to help manage his Best Western and Hour Time Resturant and Buccaneer Bay. I remain in the business and am grateful for my experience there. Thank you to Roy. My condolences to his family. He was such a tough but fun man to be around. Again Rest in Peace!

My heartfelt sympathies and prayers are sent to Carson, Cy, Garry and all of Roy's family and friends. I had the privilege to work with Roy for many years at the Radisson, Hour Time Restaurant, Best Western and Buccaneer Bay. He was a shrewd businessman...loyal to his staff...well-read...well-traveled...great story-teller...true friend. Above all, he loved Fran, his sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, family and friends. How appropriate that he would leave this world 15 years to the day that 'big-Fred' left us. Fred, Sr. was his 'partner-in-crime', and Roy remembered (and re-told) stories of all of their shenanigans. Roy, Fran, Fred and Rachel are finally back together. I can only imagine the party that they're having!

In memory of Roy D. Meeks, Jimmie G. Ennis lit a candle

Roy was a friend and businessman associate for many years while I lived and worked in Lafayette. His unique personality and accommodating style will always remain a part of the business growth distinctions of the greater Lafayette communities. My sincerest condolences to Roy’s family and his many friends.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.