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The Life of Franklin R. Meck

Franklin R. Meck, 84, of Longswamp Township, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 14, 2018 in his residence.  He was the loving husband of Pearl P. (Kauffman) Meck, whom he married on November 8, 1952.  Born in Longswamp Township, Franklin was a son of the late Daniel K. and Sallie (Shoemaker) Meck. He was a member of Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, Mertztown, where he also served as a church council member and was a charter member of the L.C.M. Franklin was a 1951 graduate of Kutztown Area High School.  He was employed as a test technician for Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Trexlertown for 36 years, retiring in 1987.  He then worked in the same capacity for Acme Cryogenics, Alburtis, for 10 years.  Mr. Meck was a member of the Air-Pro Retiree’s, a lifetime member of the Boy Scouts of America, and a member of the Topton & Kempton Fish and Game Associations; Mertztown Rod and Gun Club, NIMROD Fish and Wildlife Assn., Alburtis, Longswamp Dart Board Team, IAM & AW member, Institutional Rep for Pack #575 of Longswamp, member of the Longswamp Minstrels and coached the Longswamp Little League team. Franklin was an avid hunter and fisherman, teaching his skill to his sons and grandchildren. He was also a die-hard Philadelphia Flyers, Phillies and Eagles fan. Franklin was a jack-of-all trades and handyman, building and crafting things the "right way." Tending to his garden and fruit trees, making wine, music, and supporting his children and grandchildren were also some of his favorite pastimes. He truly enjoyed life and will be sorely missed by many, especially his family.

In addition to his wife of 65 years, Pearl, Franklin is survived by his sons, Bruce F., husband of Jane (Biltcliff) Meck, Alburtis, Leslie A., widower of Debra (Heagy) Meck, Fleetwood, Benjamin E., husband of Cindy (Rauenzahn) Meck, Alburtis, Joseph L., husband of Denise (Emore) Meck, Fleetwood, and James M., husband of Kimberly (Heymann) Meck, Tacoma, WA; 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Shirley (Meck) Guldin, Allentown, and Sally (Meck) Schofer , Topton, and a brother, Nevin Meck, Topton. He was predeceased by his parents, a son, Darrell K. Meck on May 8, 2017; sisters, Mabel, Catherine, Helen, Lillian and Hilda, and brothers, Lester, Roy, Earl and Stanley.

A memorial service to celebrate Franklin's life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church, 50 Luther Drive, Mertztown, with the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Sassaman officiating.  Burial will follow in Longswamp Union Cemetery, Mertztown. Relatives and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the church, and are also invited to a luncheon following the burial, as Franklin and Pearl attended many others over the years.

The family requests contributions be made in Franklin's memory to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 117, Mertztown, PA  19539 or Lehigh Valley Hospice, 2024 Lehigh Street, Suite 100, Allentown, PA 18103. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

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2018.01.16
A kind, family man

Franklin(Frankie) Meck will be remembered as a fun, kind, and happy-go-lucky kind of guy that loved outdoor activities such as hunting and fishing. But I think the one he liked the best was hanging out with friends and family in someone's backyard- sitting at a campfire, mingling with the people just to say HI and catch up, singing, (In PA Dutch, too), laughing, and drinking some beers. That's how I'll remember him. He would help anyone in need, and had a kind heart and a good soul. I got to know him years ago when he and my Dad worked together at Air Products, and just from being in the Longswamp area. He is the matriarch of the Meck family, and that was where he was truly at his best. Being with all of his sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was where he loved to be the most, by far. I know they will all miss him dearly, as will his friends. R.I.P., Frankie.
Posted by Cindy R on 01/16/2018