David Earl Meckstroth

David Earl Meckstroth died just after midnight on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at the Copper Cottage Care Center in Mesa, Maricopa County, Arizona following a lengthy illness. He was 84 years old. David was born on March 20, 1928 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana to his parents, the late Wesley George and Beatrice J. (Fess) Meckstroth. David was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War. He served proudly and honorably, returning home to the open arms of his family in July of 1953. He married Beverly Hartzog and, together, had 5 children. Their marriage later ended in divorce. Then, on December 26, 1964, David's life changed when he married Tina Marie (Lemons) and took on the responsibility of being "Dad" to her 4 children. He passed away just 2 weeks shy of their 48th wedding anniversary together. David worked for International Harvester as a school bus mechanic for many years. In fact, he was the only one certified to work on school buses for several of those years. He was quite skilled under the hood and could fix any problem he encountered there. He also had a great love of horses and ran a boarding stable where he was able to not only care for his 7 horses but for those of several others in his community. After retiring to White Mountain Lake, David quickly found a favorite fishing hole. He thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful retreat he felt at Silver Creek and was able to spend many quiet hours there with his sweet wife. David his survived by his wife, Tina Meckstroth of White Mountain Lake, Arizona; 9 children: Marsha Savery of Apache Junction, Arizona, Kerry Meckstroth of Mesa, Arizona, Rebecca Fenstermaker of Mesa, Arizona, Cheryl Meckstroth of Apache Junction, Arizona, Mark Meckstroth of Mesa, Arizona, Ed Lyman of Tucson, Arizona, William Lyman of Apache Junction, Arizona, Regina Zaccon of Chicago, Illinois, Rhonda Robinson of Indianapolis, Indiana; 2 sisters: Nancy Kuker of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Marilyn Senter of Indian River, Michigan; 1 brother, Steve Meckstroth of Indian River, Michigan; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by one granson and one step-grandson. The public visitation will be from 12 Noon until 12:45 P.M., Monday, December 17, 2012 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The graveside service with Military Honors will begin 1:00 P.M., Monday, December 17, 2012 at the Show Low Cemetery where Chaplain Kevin Weaver will officiate.