Robert Meakim

Robert Francis Meakim was born Dec. 30, 1943, in Evergreen Park, Ill. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High in 1961, where he then trained to become an electrician.
He married Patricia Susnis Sept. 25, 1965, and the they had three children—Christine, John and Robert.
After a family vacation to Colorado, Robert and Patricia fell in love with the state and moved the family there in 1973. They built their own home and raised their family there until both Robert and Patricia retired in 1999.
Robert and Patricia were avid travelers, taking cruises and traveling the country. They fell in love with the idea of running a bed and breakfast and in 1999 found their “retirement job” and purchased the Custer Mansion Bed and Breakfast,  where they hosted guests for over 17 years, in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
While a resident of Custer, S.D., Robert was heavily involved in the community. He was an active member of Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer. He was a member of the Lion’s Club, chamber of commerce, South Dakota Bed and Breakfast Assoc., and the Custer County Republicans. During the slow season, Robert often worked as a substitute teacher at the local high school and middle school. He also delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a very involved resident in his town of Custer, always willing to step in and help with projects where needed.
For fun, Robert spent as much time as he could with his grandchildren and loved to cast a line in the many nearby lakes. He was an enthusiastic motorcycle rider and he and Patricia often went on getaways on their bike or out exploring the Black Hills. Robert was an avid woodworker and filled his home with beautiful hand-crafted pieces. He also owned and flew his own airplane, sailed a catamaran and loved to be out fishing in his canoe.
Robert, of Belen N.M., passed away Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. He was 78.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Jane Meakim; and his grandson, Alexander Robert Kittrell.
Robert is survived by his wife, Patricia Meakim; brother, Michael Meakim; sister, Cindy Curtis; daughter, Christine (Cory) Kittrell; sons, John Meakim and Robert (Esther) Meakim; his grandchildren, Connor Kittrell, Eliot (Jade) Kittrell, Charlotte Meakim and Joseph Meakim; and great-grandson Jackson Alexander Kittrell.
Arrangements were trusted to Noblin Funeral Services in Belen.
The family greatly appreciates all thoughts and condolences. There will be a private memorial service in March at the Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen.