EDWARD ELIJAH MEEKER, SR.

JOPPA, MD- Edward Elijah Meeker, Sr., 85, of Joppa, MD, died Wednesday February 14, 2007 at Forest Hill Health and Rehabilitation Center, Forest Hill, MD. He was the husband of Deanna (Martini) Meeker and the late Audrey Claire (Anderson) Meeker.

Mr. Meeker was born in Torrington, CT, son of the late Wilbur Ernest and Ella Mae (Witherell) Meeker. As a lifelong resident of Washington, he attended Washington Public Schools and Danbury Trade School. A veteran of WW II, He joined the US Army Air Corps as a cadet in 1943. From 1944-1946, he saw action in North Africa and Italy where he was injured under attack. He was presented with a Purple Heart in 1946.

In 1950, he attended the RCA Institute in New York City on a GI Bill and went on to open his own business, Meeker Electric, which he ran for 35 years. He served as Chief in the fire department of Washington Depot, CT. He vice chairman for the Board of Education; served on the Board of Tax Review, Civil Preparedness Director; was member of the Lions Club, the American Legion and the New Preston Congregational Church.

Besides his wife of 17 years, he leaves three sons, Edward E. Meeker, Jr. of Newington, CT, Timothy W. Meeker of Washington Depot, CT and Daniel D. Meeker of New Milford, CT; one daughter, Christine L. Madvig of Lincoln, NE; a stepson, Paul Dudderar of Abingdon, MD; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Whitney of East Africa and nine grandchildren.

He was predeceased by two brothers, Sheldon W. Meeker and David E. Meeker.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24th at New Preston Congregational Church, New Preston, CT at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the spring in New Preston Village Cemetery. Friends may call the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St. on Friday from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to: Washington Fire Department, PO Box 244, Washington Depot, CT 06794 or to a charity of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be made through www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to: Washington Fire Department, PO Box 244, Washington Depot, CT 06794 or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Cemetery: New Preston Village Cemetery

Location: Munson-Lovetere Woodbury

Funeral: New Preston Congregational Church

Services: A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 24th at New Preston Congregational Church, New Preston, CT at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the spring in New Preston Village Cemetery.

Visitation: Friends may call the Woodbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 2 School St. on Friday from 6-8 p.m.