Howard Meeks

Howard Samuel Meeks Jr. (November 29, 1932 – May 13, 2016) was the sixth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan between 1984 and 1988.

Early life Meeks was born on November 29, 1932, in Upland, Pennsylvania, the son of Howard Samuel Meeks and Edith May Flounders. He was educated in Chester High School, graduating in 1951. He then studied at the Goldey–Beacom College from where he earned an Associate’s Degree in Accounting and Business Administration, after which he worked for General Chemical in Claymont, Delaware. He also joined the United States Navy Reserve and was engaged in active duty between 1954 and 1956, serving on the USS Daly where he achieved the rank of Personnelman Petty Officer 3rd Class. After being discharged, Meeks worked for Sun Oil Company in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, whilst studying for a Bachelor’s degree at Pennsylvania Military College. After a while, he enrolled for a Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School in Philadelphia, graduating with a Master of Divinity in 1962.

Ordained ministry Meeks was ordained as a priest in December 1964. He only served four years as bishop, resigning in January 1988, becoming effective on February 1, 1988. After his resignation, he worked as a representative of Food for the Poor.

Meeks resigned his Holy Orders in the Episcopal Church on December 20, 2007, becoming effective in February 2008. He died in Winter Garden, Florida, on May 13, 2016.