Thomas Charles Meshew, Jr.

Thomas Charles Meshew Jr., age 78, passed away on June 27 at his home in Paducah, KY.
 
Tom Meshew was born in Mayfield on August 21, 1947 to the late Lucille Meshew and Thomas Charles Meshew Sr. Tom Meshew grew up as a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church and a pupil of St. Joseph Catholic School until he graduated high school in 1965. Shortly after, Tom served in the Army during the Vietnam War. After he finished his service, and his two children were born, Tom graduated from Murray State University with a Bachelor’s in Business, eventually settling into his role at Westvaco. He retired from Mead Westvaco after 36 years.
 
Tom spent his retirement years with his wife Linda at their lake house, fishing crappie and catfish, hosting family get-togethers, and helping to raise their grandson. In 2020, Tom and Linda moved to Paducah. Within the last six years as Paducah residents, they graduated their two grandsons from college and welcomed a great-granddaughter into the world.
 
To his family and everyone who knew him, Tom was a man true to his word. If he wanted to make something happen, it happened, and you could bet that it happened sooner rather than later. His tenacity will be remembered just as much as his quick wit and dry humor. He never passed up an opportunity for a wisecrack. Being on the receiving end of one meant that Tom loved you.
 
For Tom, there was no greater joy than to be with his grandchildren (and to give them a hard time). What they will remember most about their Granddaddy was his big heart. From frying fish to grilling up a steak, to changing the oil in a car or fixing any problem, he loved taking care of his family more than anything. He did it better than anyone.
 
Tom is survived by his wife, Linda Meshew; one daughter, Cammie Meshew Fields of Mayfield, KY; one granddaughter, Keila Morris (Jeran Simmons) of Paducah, KY; two grandsons, Cameron Charles Fields (Sara Wangler) of Paducah, KY and Ian Thomas Meshew of Harrisburg, IL; a great granddaughter, Edie Pearl Simmons; and one sister, Janice Glisson of Louisville, KY.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Meshew and Thomas Charles Meshew Sr.; his son, Thomas C. Meshew III; and his two sisters, Connie Wells and Cynthia Cissell.
 
There will be no public service, but there will be a private graveside service at a later date.
 
Donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in honor of Tom at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
 
Share a memory or leave a message for the family at www.milnerandorr.com.