Joseph Meek

87, passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 30, 2019. Joseph was born July 16, 1931 to Joseph and Mildred Meek in Sabetha, KS. Preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, John. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bette E. Meek; son, Thomas J. (Deborah) Meek; daughters, Nancy C. (Peter) Leonard, Kathryn A. (Patrick) Thompson; brother, James M. (Cheryl) Meek; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren. Joseph attended Hiawatha High School and completed his Bachelor’s degree at the University of Kansas. He graduated from the University of Kansas Medical school with honors. While there he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Society. He served his medical internship at the San Diego County Hospital and his residency and fellowships at KU Medical School and Scripps Clinic LaJolla. He was board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology with an active Endocrinology practice specializing in thyroid disease. Dr. Meek served the country as a Lt. Cmdr. in the United States Navy as a NASA Astronaut Recovery Team doctor. Highly involved in medical teaching, Dr. Meek was a professor and chair of the KUMC department of internal medicine, Vice Chancellor to Academic Affairs, Department Chair of Internal Medicine at KUMC Wichita, and Dean of KUMC Wichita. He also was a delegate to the American Medical Society and the Director of Rural Health Care and Outreach. In his lifetime he earned the University of Kansas Distinguished Service Medallion and served as President of the Kansas Medical Society and President of the Sedgwick County Medical Society. Memorial Service will be at 10:30 am, Wednesday, February 6, 2019, at East Heights United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Dr. Joe Meek Young Physician Leadership Award (www.mssconline.org) or GraceMed Health Clinic (www.gracemed.org). Downing & Lahey Mortuary – East Chapel. Share tributes online at: www.dlwichita.com