Miles "Jake" M. Meckes, 83, of Wilkes-Barre, formerly of Long Pond, died Sunday, March 14, at the Summit Health Care Center in Wilkes-Barre, Born in Cherry Valley, he was the son of the late Harrison and Ada Mae (Keiper) Meckes.
He had been a heavy equipment operator all his life having worked for H.F. Gower in Effort and Harold Burger in Kresgeville until his retirement in 1965.
He was a World War II Decorated Army Veteran serving in the 1st Battalion-179th Infantry. He served in the European Theater receiving a Purple Heart and six Bronze Stars. He was a member of the American Legion Post 413 in Pocono Lake.
He is survived by two sisters, Claire Binkley of Scotrun and Gymane Bush of East Stroudsburg; three brothers, Thomas Meckes of Long Pond, Claude Meckes of Long Pond, and Dewey Meckes of Sciota; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by six sisters, Cora, Adalaide, Virginia, Jacqueline, Gloria, and Golden and four brothers, Louis, Allen, Robert and Randolph.
Full Military Honor Graveside Services will be held 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 18, at Fort Indiantown Gap National Veterans Cemetery in Annville with the Rev. Dale Cowan officiating.
Viewing will be held Wednesday, March 17, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Donald N. Gower Funeral Home, Inc., Route 209, Gilbert, with American Legion services at 8 p.m.