John David Meek

John “David” Meek, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31st at 11:35 PM at Integris Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City. Though his given name was John, he was known simply as David to all who loved him—and to his grandsons Logan and Riley, he was just "Grandpa," a title he wore with quiet pride and steady grace.

Born March 10, 1938, and adopted by James Aaron Meek and Esther Ruth Barrett Meek, David grew up in Pampa, TX. Orphaned at an early age by the passing of his adoptive parents, David set off to forge his own path in life. After proudly serving in the United States Navy, David worked his way through school at Panhandle A&M College (now Oklahoma Panhandle State University.) There he met the love of his life, Sue Ann Bullard, to whom he was married for 56 years.

In life, David never asked for much—just what Jaye P. Morgan once sang about: “a little love that slowly grows and grows.” And he found exactly that. With his wife, Sue, he built a life grounded in love, learning, and legacy. Together, they touched countless lives, particularly through their years as teachers in Hugoton, Kansas—a place where they left lasting marks on hearts and minds alike.

David is survived by his son, John David Meek II; his grandsons Logan and Riley Meek; and his cherished “bonus” grandkids, Robert and Catherine Elkins. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jan, along with her children and grandchildren; and by his special daughters-in-law, Kimberly and Karensa. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Sue Meek, in-laws Vernon and Minnie Bullard, and brother-in-law Keith Flanagan. Through it all — David found the family he’d always sought, built from a love that had grown and grown.

A joint celebration of life will be held in the Hugoton, KS area for David and Sue in the coming weeks. The date and time are yet to be determined. For more information, please contact Logan Meek via Facebook Messenger.

In his later years, David found great meaning in the words of Willie Nelson’s “Something You Get Through.” His passing reminds us that the loss of someone so dear isn’t something we ever get over—but it is something we get through. As life goes on, so too does his memory, living on in each person he loved, taught, and inspired.