The Meeks Mortuary
415 E. Washington St, Muncie, IN 47305 • 765-288-6669

Mt. Pleasant Chapel
7901 W. Isanogel Rd, Muncie, IN 47304 • 765-287-1400
 
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  History
 
1844  

Amos and Nancy Means Meeks arrive in "Munseytown" after a 16-day trip by horse-drawn wagons from what is now northern West Virginia.

Robert Meeks (pictured), the oldest son, came to Muncie and began work as an apprentice with pioneer cabinet makers, who often doubled as undertakers. He and his brother Isaac later went into business under the name R. and I. Meeks.

 
 
1857  

Known for their honesty and fairness, "Uncle Robert" and "Uncle Isaac" were awarded a silver cup at the county fair.

 
1860s  

According to courthouse records, the Meeks firm was paid $10 to handle a funeral for "Indian Jim," the last of Delaware County's original settlers.

Pictured is Indian Jim's gravestone.

 
 
1871  
 

James Meeks, the oldest son of Robert, partners with his father and uncle under the name R. & I. Meeks and Company. Martin and Will, also sons of Robert, join the firm in 1880.

Pictured is an old style horse-drawn carriage.

 
1880  

Fire destroys the original Meeks building, which was located on the current-day "Boyce Block" in downtown Muncie. The Meeks family relocates its furniture and sales offices to 115-117 East Main Street (pictured).

Robert's fourth son, Jacob, becomes a bookkeeper for James Boyce, and in association with boyce, starts a handle factory and rivet company.

 
 
1891  

Isaac Meeks dies.

 
1892  

Robert suffers a broken hip that leaves him an invalid until his death in 1906. The Muncie Daily News calls him "one of Muncie's most respected citizens."

 
1919  

M.L. Meeks and Sons (named so after James and Will retire, and Martin Meeks is joined by sons Arthur, Ernest, and Charles) introduces the first motorized funeral car in the area.

 
 
1928  

Martin Meeks dies, and his sons build the present mortuary in his memory.

 
1932  


 

The Meeks Mortuary's present-day facility, one of the first buildings specifically designed as a mortuary opens its doors.

Pictured is a funeral fleet parked by a railroad at Washington and Madison Streets.

 
1944  

The Meeks firm is 100 years old.

 
1957  

Charles Meeks dies.

 
1959  

Arthur Meeks dies.

 
1964  

Ernest Meeks, the last of his generation in the business, dies. David Martin Meeks (pictured), Arthur's son, has already joined the firm. He places an emphasis on developing a staff that perpetuates a concern for affordable quality and attention to detail in every funeral service.

 
 
1983  


  The Meeks Mortuary, circa 1983.
 
1984  

Gordon Cox becomes Manager of Operations, taking over the position from David Meeks, Sr.

 
1993  

Gordon Cox becomes president of Meeks Mortuary, following the death of David M. Meeks, Sr.

 
2000  

Added a new concept casket, vault, urn and funeral merchandise selection room, the first of its kind in this area.

 
2002  

Updated the entire mortuary with new décor throughout the funeral home, including padding the pews in our permanent chapel.

 
2006  

Opened first ever branch location, Mt. Pleasant Chapel in the Yorktown area.

 


 
     
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