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 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.