Russell Allen Meeks, 81 of Fairfax , died Saturday, January 8, 2011 at his home.  Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 15 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids , with burial to follow in St. Joseph 's Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Brosh Chapel in Cedar Rapids, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW, where there will be a 5 p.m. vigil.

Russell was born December 3, 1929 in Anamosa, the son of Leslie and Mildred Meeks. He married Maxine Voss on November 26, 1983. Russ worked for FMC Linkbelt Speeder and Kinze Manufacturing for twenty two years. He grew up in Anamosa and farmed in the Springville and Mechanicsville area most of his life. Russ had a passion for horses, going to farm sales and being involved in all aspects of farming. He was a member of the Grand Lodge A.F & A.M., Lodge No. 6 in Marion, Marion Chapter No. 10, Royal Arch Masons, Elks Lodge, and St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Russ is survived by his wife Maxine Meeks of Fairfax; brother Jim Meeks of Oberly, Missouri and sister; Velma Meeks of Kansas City, Missouri; his children: Lela Kratz of Walterburrow, South Carolina; Dr. Rita Meeks of Mount Air, North Carolina and Rory Meeks of Springville; step children: Larry (Gail) Voss of Rockford, Illinois; Theresa (Brad) Borgstede of Colleyville, Texas and Caroline (Dave) Kemper of Cedar Rapids; and fifteen grandchildren.

Russ is preceded in death by his parents, a brother Gary Meeks and a daughter Nola Mason Meeks.

A memorial fund has been established in his name.