Gary Dean Meadows

Gary Dean Meadows, aka "Chemo" or Coach Gary, 63, of Milford, KS, whose battle with Leukemia inspired thousands across the world, gained his wings Sunday, November 22, 2020.

A closed casket, Lie in State, will be held Friday, November 27, 2020, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Johnson Funeral Home, 203 N. Washington Street, Junction City, Kansas.

A Graveside service will be held Saturday, November 28, 2020, at 1 pm, at the Milford Cemetery, 3901 Milford Cemetery Road, Milford, Kansas with Pastor Dirk Westerman and Minister Frank "Pancho" Nicholson co-officiating.

For those attending service we ask you wear black and yellow, Harley clothing or Adidas.

Social Distancing and COVID-19 precautions will be observed during all social gatherings.

Chemo was born on August 6, 1957, in Dearborn, Michigan, to Earl and Joan (Morrison) Meadows. At a very young age, his family moved to Reseda California where he grew up surrounded by a host of dear and cherished family members and friends. He attended Garden Grove Elementary School, North Ridge Jr High School, and Grover Cleveland High School. He was a proud class of 1975. While living in California God gifted Gary with his firstborn, Casey Dean Meadows, a son who he treasured dearly. Tragically Casey passed away just before his 5th Birthday. After Casey's passing Gary began his journey across the country hoping to land in Florida. During a small detour to Junction City, Kansas he met the woman who became his rib for the next 28 plus years, and through eternity, Charlene Morrell. They met on June 18th, 1992, and were married on August 22, 1992, in Junction City, Kansas. They went on to have two baby girls who would have Gary (Chemo) Meadows wrapped around their finger for the next 25 years in small-town, Milford, Kansas. After many tireless nights and long days, he built two soccer fields that are now known as the Gary Meadows Soccer Fields located in Milford KS. He coached soccer for over 20 years not only on these fields but around the country touching the hearts of every soccer player who came under his wing. Above all, Chemo was passionate about his Faith, being a husband, father, son, son-in-law, loyal friend. He was ecstatic to know he was expecting his first grandchild, a baby boy next April. He threw himself completely into everything he did and every person who crossed his path.

Chemo was a member of the Milford Congregational Church of Milford, KS, and the Soldiers for Jesus M.C. where he worked as a disciple for Jesus. He was most famous for his daily inspirational blogs about his battle with Leukemia and keeping his faith un-waivered during the most difficult times. Rather than dying with the disease, he always made sure we were reminded that he was instead LIVING with the disease and this life was only temporal and a small step into eternity with God and his family.

Gary "Chemo" is survived by each and every one of you that were a part of his life past, present, and future. He leaves behind his loving Wife, Charlene Meadows of Milford, KS; his two daughters, Jessica (Dominique Smith) Meadows of Copperas Cove, TX, and Cassidy Meadows of Milford, KS; Future Grandchild, Dominique Smith, Jr.; his father Earl Meadows; In-laws Rhonda and Charles Sharp; honorary sons Taylor Dunphy (Victoria), and D.J. Moenning (Leigha), thousands of SFJ brothers and sisters, all of his beloved soccer children, and several nieces and nephews along with a host of loving family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Joan; his son, Casey Dean Meadows, infant twin boys Austin Dean Meadows, and Nicholas Dean Meadows; and his brother Carl Steven Meadows.

He loved each and every one of you, I hope you can remember his smile and his hugs.

*** To leave a condolence or share a special memory of Chemo, please visit the guestbook below.***