LaVerne Ray Meachum, 92, of Traverse City, passed away to be with his Lord on Monday, November 22, 2021, at the Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. LaVerne was born August 27, 1929, in Thompsonville, the son of Ray Meachum and Velma (Southwick) Meachum.

He was married to the late Violet Hogarth Meachum of Thompsonville, Michigan, who passed away in 2010. In January 2, 2011, LaVerne married his childhood sweetheart, the late Vera May Sparks Meachum, of Traverse City, Michigan.

He graduated from Buckley High School in June 1948. LaVerne joined the U.S. Air Force in June 1948, serving four years during the Korean War, 86 ^th Air Material Command, where he was honorably discharged as an Aircraft Radio Technician Staff Sergeant in June 1952. He continued to work for the U.S. Air Force in the civil service as a Flight Radio Technician from August 1952-1953 at Hill Air Force Base, in Utah. In addition, he served three years in the U.S. Coast Guard, from 1961-1964.

Through the coming years, LaVerne worked at the Traverse City State Hospital from October 1953-1969 as an attendant nurse and last three years as a maintenance mechanic in the maintenance department. He continued his work career working for consumers bulk power department from 1969-1975; at Traverse City Record-Eagle as a carrier from 1975-1988; finally, at Federal Armored Trucking from 1988-1993, when he retired.

LaVerne served as member of the American Legion, Lansing, Headquarters; Korean War Veterans Association, Traverse City, MI; VFW Honor Guard Post #2780, Traverse City, MI; and the Traverse City F.O.E. 383.

He enjoyed playing several musical instruments, dancing, fishing, and traveling.

LaVerne is survived by: two sisters, Vera Selander of Copemish, MI, and Arlene (Dave) Usher of Manton, MI; daughter, Jane (Larry) Flees; five grandchildren, Tyler, Jenna, and Levi Parowan of Utah and Kristie (Chris) Cuddington  and Kimberley (Rick) Flees Palmer of Traverse City; and great-grandchildren, Isabell Peltier and Sammy and Abby Cuddington  of Traverse City, MI.

LaVerne was preceded in death by: his parents, Ray Meachum and Velma Meachum; first wife, Violet Hogarth Meachum; second wife, Vera May Sparks Meachum; two brothers, Glen Meachum, and Wayne Meachum; and son, Ron Meachum.

Memorial Contributions may be sent to the Cherryland Humane Society.

In keeping with LaVerne's wishes, no services will be held.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com