“Lt Col Harold Meadows (USAF Retired)”
Harold (Hal) Earle Meadows joined his Savior and other departed loved ones on July 17, 2020. He died at his home in South Fork (where he wanted to be). Hal loved life but was not afraid of death. He often said, “Crossing the Jordan River into Heaven would be like crossing the Rio Grande – exchanging one heaven for another.”
Hal was born March 18, 1934 in Handley, TX to Col. Benjamin Earle Meadows and Jennie Louise (Davidson) Meadows. After his father was killed in an air crash in Alaska, Hal, his mother, and two sisters moved to Graham, TX where he graduated high school. He then attended and graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.
Hal is survived by his loving wife of eleven years, Jerri Faircloth-Meadows of South Fork, CO; his sister Suzanne Meadows of Abilene, TX; his son Brett Meadows (wife Michelle) of Colorado Springs, CO; daughter-in-law Tami Pua of Windsor, CO; four grandchildren Michael Meadows (wife Jordan) of Laramie, WY, Christopher Meadows (fiancée Sarina) of Woodland Park, CO, Katherine Meadows of Colorado Springs, CO, and Carrie Anne Ball (husband Zachary) of Apex, NC; and three great-grandchildren Olivia Meadows and James and Luke Ball. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, wife Ann Hines Meadows, son Dan Meadows, and sister Diana Maltony (and husband Ed) of Cuero, TX.
Hal was one who could not be idle. After retiring at the rank of Lt. Col. from the Air Force, he ran several small businesses in Colorado Springs where he hired many ex-convicts in the hopes of giving them gainful employment and a new start in life. He had great compassion for the mentally and physically handicapped and used his horses in fundraisers for various churches. He loved animals, especially dogs and horses. He loved guiding hunters on horseback into the mountains even though he was not a hunter himself. He was adventurous — he scuba-dived in the Philippines and Korea, took flying lessons in Colorado Springs, rode motorcycles, played golf, enjoyed being on the computer, and lived life to the fullest.
Hal was raised Presbyterian/Baptist/Methodist but became a member of the Church of God and then Roman Catholic. He often said, “I hope God has a job for me in heaven because I cannot sit around and do nothing!” He will be missed by many friends, neighbors, and family.
A memorial service will be held at 2pm at the Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs on August 28 followed by a spreading of the ashes in the Rose Garden. Memorial contributions may be made in Hal’s name to a charity of your choice.
Col(Ret) Dominic Ruggerio, USArmy
27 Aug 2020Condolences to the family. Grandson Mike Meadows is my friend. Sorry about the passing of ur granddad Mike. Prayers and thoughts to the family.
Benita Barri-Lamb
10 Jan 2021Many fond memories working for this man at Wallace AS PI. 1978-1979. Heaven is in for a big surprise! Rest In Peace LTC Meadows
Leah Connelly Reedall
7 Jul 2023This world lost one of the finest, funniest, most lively saints in the history of man when God took Hal Home. I have many treasured memories of Hal, Ann, Brett and Danny, and though I was not fortunate enough to have met Jerri, I’m certain I would have loved her as I did Hal and Ann. They were truly as family in my heart. Jerri, Brett, and family I’m so sorry for your loss and yet I know Hal’s in heaven enjoying his reunion there with loved ones and no doubt staying busier than ever! After reaching out to Hal by text a few times since December 2019, I now know why he never returned my texts. I had a feeling, but didn’t want to face it until,for some reason this morning, I decided to Google his name. See you again one day, Hal Meadows! Until then, I’m forever thankful for the great memories of family outings and adventures and for the privilege of your friendship throughout my life. Much love and Shalom