Clifford Leo Meireis
1929 - 2014
Obituary
Clifford Leo Meireis, 84, died on Jan. 7, 2014, at the
Kansas Christian Home in Newton.
He was born May 30, 1929, in Stafford to Vada Estella
(Davidson) and Theodore Roosevelt Meireis, the oldest of five children.
Cliff graduated from Olathe High School. While serving in
the ROTC program and playing wildcat football, Cliff earned a bachelor's degree
in dairy production from Kansas State University. He then joined the 13th
Infantry Division of the United States Army and served 21 months, achieving the
rank of 1st Lieutenant. Later, Cliff earned a master's degree from Colorado
State University in extension education and urban development.
Mr. Meireis began his career in the Kansas State Research
and Extension Service as a 4-H agent, first in Pratt County then moving to
Sumner County. He completed his 31 years of service in Norton County as
agricultural agent and county director.
Clifford was a member of the Epison Sigma Phi fraternity for
extension agents. He served with the Lion's Club in Pratt. He also was a member
of First Christian Church of Newton and served as a deacon, choir member,
elder, Sunday school teacher, education department chairman and member of the
church board. Cliff also was a Harvey County RSVP volunteer.
Cliff was married to Phylis Jean Worley in 1954. To this
union one daughter, Vicky Lynn, was born. Phylis died in 1957. Cliff was then
united in marriage to Dortha Baugh in 1961.
Mr. Meireis was preceded in death by his first wife; his
parents; three brothers, Lee, Merle and Elton; and one sister, Geneva.
Survivors include his wife, Dortha, Newton; daughter, Vicky
and husband, Rodney, Larned; five grandsons and families, Shane and Melody
Wallace and Hunter, Chanute, Brent and Lynette Wallace, Ashyton and Bryton, Plains,
Sgt. Christopher and Denell Wallace and Blake, Fort Lee, Va., Justin and Dr.
Mary Wallace, New Hampton, Conn., and Colby Wallace, New Mexico; and several
nieces, nephews and cousins.
Cliff was a loving husband, father and mentor.
Visitation will be from 1 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 9, 2014,
with the family receiving guests from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at First
Christian Church, Newton. The Rev. Gary Bell will be presiding. Burial will be
at 4 p.m. at the Greenlawn Cemetery, Pratt.
Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church
Disciples of Christ or the 4-H Foundation, in care of the funeral home, 120 E.
Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Friends may read the obituary online and sign the guest book
at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
