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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