Gerald Wayne Meadows, 90, formerly of Cooter, Missouri, passed away peacefully on May 7, 2025 at his home in Berger, Missouri. Visitation will be on Monday, May 12, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at McDaniel Funeral Service, 115 South Bypass, Kennett, Missouri. Interment will follow at Dogwood Cemetery in Blytheville, Arkansas.

Mr. Meadows was born November 17, 1934 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the son of Roy Edward Meadows and Hazel Ella (Welsch) Meadows. He married Anna Mae Norman in 1954, and they had three children, Michael Wayne Meadows, Julia Ann (Meadows) Brown and Ronald Edward Meadows. He later married Bonnie Viola Chrisco and they had one child, Jason Lynn Meadows. They celebrated 46 years of marriage before her passing in 2009.

He is survived by his children, Michael (Brenda) Meadows of Tyler, Texas, Julia Ann (Frank) Brown of Freeport, Florida, Ronnie (Joyce) Meadows of Farmington, Missouri and Jason Meadows of Orlando, Florida, along with his grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Uncle Wayne was deeply loved by his numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families. Wayne was also survived by his cherished companion Norma Whitehead, her extended family including her son Terry Hunter and his wife Vanessa.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Hazel Ella (Welsch) Meadows; his brothers Robert (Bob) Meadows, Eugene Ellis Meadows, Gary Ted Meadows, and Larry Ned Meadows; his sisters Mary Ruth Meadows, Doris Janet (Meadows) Simpson, and Bonnie Gale (Meadows) Hankins.

Wayne, as he was fondly known by family and friends, loved his "Meadows" family saying he couldn't have asked for a better family. He loved to travel and was always ready for a road trip, especially if it involved trains. He was an avid fan of the St Louis Cardinals, even in the lean years. Wayne loved to dance and was a member of Clean Fun Club and Heartland Dance Club. Wayne proudly served his country in the National Guard from 1953 - 1959. He was a route salesman for the Coca-Cola company for many years.

Mr. Meadows was a charter member of the Everett Street Baptist Church in Kennett, Missouri, along with his father, mother, his brothers Bob and Eugene, and sisters Bonnie and Doris.

He loved animals and rescued many in his lifetime. In lieu of flowers and gifts, he requested memorials be made to a local Humane Society.