LaRue James Meehan, 79, of Galesburg, died at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 2023.
LaRue was born September 11, 1943 in Galesburg, Illinois the son of James Leo and Wanita Ione (Dolajeck) Meehan. LaRue married Beverly Ann Briggs on October 26, 1972 in Galesburg, Illinois. She preceded him in death in 1995. He later married Sheri Elaine Stambaugh on January 22, 2007, in Kentucky. She preceded him in death on February 15, 2023.
LaRue is survived by five sons, Tony (Dawn) Meehan of Des Moines, Iowa, David “Deano” (Angela) Setla of Memphis, Tennessee, LaRue Meehan, Jr. of St. Petersburg, Florida, Patrick Meehan of Ft. Worth, Texas, and David Meehan of Monmouth, Illinois; and four daughters, Lori (Russ) Bowers of Cudahy, Wisconsin, Wanita (Marcus Almaguer) Meehan of Monmouth, Crystal Meehan of Monmouth, and Micelle Meehan of Roseville, Illinois. LaRue is also survived by 23 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one sister, Cecelia Murphy of Washington, Illinois; and one sister-in-law, Betty Meehan of Peoria, Illinois. Along with his parents and wives, LaRue was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Jeremy Weir; a brother, James Meehan; and a sister, LaRita Miller.
LaRue worked in maintenance at Monmouth Pottery for over 20 years, retiring in 2004. He later worked for Columbia Decorating. He loved spending time with family and friends and traveling. He believed he was born a couple of centuries too late and the 1840s were shining times. He enjoyed rendezvous reenactments of the 1800s and traveled to many different places to watch reenactments. He loved to go to flea markets and auctions.
Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2023, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Cremation will be accorded following visitation. A celebration of LaRue’s life will follow at Meks on Main on Main in Monmouth from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Memorials may be made to the family. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.