M#14.7.2.1 Darrell Eugene Meadows Born: Jan 1, 1933: Born Charleston, West Va. Died Oct 19, 1952 Amarillo, TX (Air Force)
Darrell who was Paul's older brother was born in Charleston, West VA but grew up in Dover, Ohio. When Paul was between the ages of 6 [and] 11 years old, Darrell and he played ball together, went to baseball games in Cleveland, Ohio, and did many things together.
"Darrell attended Dover School, graduating at 17 as an Honor Student. Darrell played in the school band as a drummer. He worked all through his school years part time as paper boy, bowling alley, and dairy store after school." (Darrell's mother, Jo Meadows)
"He played the drums in high school Dover, Ohio. He was a very studious person who enjoyed having a good time, [even] if it was just going for a bicycle ride. I always looked up to him and respected him. In high school, he was always making the Honor Society." (Paul Meadows)
Darrell enlisted in the United States Air Force shortly after he graduated from high school:
"Personnel Services Division
Director of Military Personnel
Department of Air Force
Hdqtr U.S. Air Force"
"Darrell E. Meadows AB15483839
Date of Enlistment 29 July 1952
Assigned 3320th Technical Trng Sqdn.
Amarillo AFB, Tex"
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Headquarters
3650th Air Force Indoctrination Base
Sampson Air Force Base
Geneva, New York
Office of the Wing Chaplain
31 July 1952
Mr. John W. Meadows
115 W. Second Street
Dover, Ohio
Dear Mr. Meadows:
It is a distinct pleasure, on behalf of the chaplains at Sampson Air Force Base, to inform you that your son, A/B Darrell E. Meadows, arrived here safely. One of our chaplains was on hand to greet him.
The Air Force is deeply interested in both the physical well being and the religious life of each airman. The chaplains of the Air Force, representing, as they do, the various denominations in American religious life, are dedicated in particular to the encouragement and development of a high level of spiritual and moral life in the individual.
To that end worship services, masses, religious instruction periods, chapel choir rehearsals, discussion groups and bible classes are offered to every airman who comes to Sampson Air Force Base. Furthermore, the Air Force lays great emphasis on a program of character guidance.
Naturally you will be concerned about the welfare and happiness of your loved one. A certain amount of loneliness is quite natural: for that reason we would suggest that you write to him frequently and in a cheerful tone.
Be assured of our continual interest and encouragement of your boy's spiritual welfare while he is in the Air Force.
Sincerely yours,
Aubrey C. Halsell
Chaplain (Lt Col) USAF Wing Chaplain
Gerard A. Haggerty Aaron Gewirty
Chaplain (Major) USAF Chaplain (1st Lt) USAF
Catholic Chaplain Jewish Chaplain"
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Darrell met his death on October 19, 1952. According to this author's information, Darrell was marching in early morning formation, presumably to the mess hall for breakfast (the author is familiar with this practice, having arisen at 5 A.M., and marched to breakfast at 6 A.M. in preparation for a full day of training in the Air Force), when a transport vehicle accidentally rammed into the formation. Darrell was a fatality of this mishap.
His obituary appeared in the Canton Repository, listing the Dover Christian Missionary Alliance Church for services, the Reverends Cletus Hefner and Maurice Radcliff officiating. Burial was reported to be at Dover Burial Park, attended to by the Toland Funeral Home. Darrell was 19 years, nine months and 18 days old at his death. He had been assigned to the 3368th Student Squadron, 3320th Technical Training Group at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas.
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"He was killed in the Air Force while stationed at Amarillo Air Force Base, Texas. He died just as he was growing into an adult life and was beginning to enjoy life." (Paul Meadows)
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The cemetery in which Darrell is interred is the Dover Memorial Park outside Dover, Ohio, located off of Wooster Road, north of Parrell Township. He rests in Grave No. 1, Lot #243, Section B. His father, John Meadows, rests in Grave No. 3.
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