Randal L. "Randy" Meese

Randal L. "Randy" Meese, age 65, of Tuscarawas, died Wednesday, July 23, 2014, surrounded by his loving family, in the Cleveland Clinic. His death was due to pulmonary fibrosis diagnosed just a short time ago.

Born June 14, 1949, in Dennison, he was a son of the late Charles L. "Tep" and Donna G. (Lahm) Meese. Randy graduated from Tuscarawas-Warwick High School in 1967, and was employed by the Greer Steel Co. at Dover for thirty years, retiring in 1999. He was a representative for the United Steel Workers Union and served as local union President. He also worked as a custodian for Broadway United Methodist Church, New Philadelphia, and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District at Dover.

Randy was a former member of Broadway United Methodist Church, and was a present member of Winfield United Methodist Church, and sang in the choirs of both. He was proud to be the producer and director of the Jerusalem Walk Live Drama at the Winfield Church, as well as to be a member of the Gospel H.I.M.S. He coached Pee-Wee Football for some 25 years, coached Junior High Football at Tuscarawas Central Catholic and was Assistant Coach for Flag Football at Indian Valley. Randy also coordinated T-Ball at Winfield Church.

Among his favorite pastimes were hunting, fishing and playing golf he was on the Greer golf team. Randy found special joy in attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and spending quiet time with his two little dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Sylvia J. (Vandevort) Meese, whom he married on May 10, 1986, in Broadway United Methodist Church; his two sons, Steven A. (wife, Lisa) Meese of Gnadenhutten, and Michael S. (wife, Jolene) Meese of Stone Creek; his grandchildren, Isabella "Izzy" and Chase H. Meese; his brother, Larry Meese of Dover; his sister, Susan Hockenberry of Uhrichsville; his sister-in-law, Laura Rathburn of New Philadelphia; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Paul and Barb Pringle of New Philadelphia; and his several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Randy was preceded in death by his grandson, Steven Tyler Meese.

Family and friends are invited to call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory, Dover, on Saturday, July 26, 6 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held Sunday, July 27, at 2 p.m. in Winfield United Methodist Church with Pastor LuAnn Youngman officiating. Immediately following the service, there will be a luncheon in the church fellowship hall. Private burial of his cremated remains will be later in Ridgecrest Memory Gardens at Dover. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Randy, please visit the Obituaries and Flowers link on the Toland-Herzig website.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests that contributions in Randy's memory be made to the family to be used toward his grandchildren's education. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home and church, or donations may be sent directly to P.O. Box 276, Tuscarawas, Ohio 44682.