Chaney-Harkins Funeral Home
Submitted by: Carol Spear Rice

Nathan Gene Meaders, 62, of Wewoka, known affectionately as "Nate" to his loved ones and many friends, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. at Bishop Chapel of Memories on Tuesday, November 26, 2024. Robert Davis and Jim Mathews will be officiating. Burial will follow at Pryor Cemetery located south of Stuart. Pallbearers will be Keith Cox, Jim Mathews, Gil Turpin, Clint Cox, Cory Meaders, Colby Kerns and Greg Shey. Honorary pallbearers will be Dale Smith and John Wood. Nate was born on March 27, 1962 in Alameda, California to Wayne Gene Meaders and Mildred (Turpen) Meaders. They moved back to Oklahoma when Nate was thirteen, living just south of Stuart. Nate's educational journey was both extensive and impressive. He graduated with his Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in education from Southeastern, where he laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to learning and teaching. His thirst for knowledge and leadership skills took him further to East Central College, where he obtained a Master's in Education and Leadership. Professionally, Nate dedicated himself to several educational public-school communities, where he served in various capacities including teacher, principal, and administrator. His influence extended beyond the classroom as he coached girls' basketball and was the assistant coach to Jim Mathews. Between the two of them, the Wewoka Tigers went on to win back-to-back State Championships. His greatest passion was umpiring softball and refereeing basketball games. He worked as an official for more than twenty years. Nate's leadership and mentorship left an indelible mark on all those who had the privilege of working alongside him or the students who were guided by him. Nate's love for sports was a defining aspect of his life. Being from California, he loved the Oakland A's. But his favorite team was the Chicago Cubs, win or lose. His enthusiasm for sports also extended to the Oklahoma Sooners and the San Francisco 49ers, where he shared in their many triumphs and heartaches. He and Jim Mathews would exchange sports stories everyday - no matter the time of day! Family was the cornerstone of Nate's world. He is survived by his sons, Cory Meaders and his wife, Chelsea, Ty Meaders, his daughter, Kira Meaders, and his cherished grandkids, Cayde and Caraline Meaders. Nate also leaves behind the mother of Cory, Kim Shey of Texas, and the mother of Ty and Kira, Kari Meaders of Checotah. He had found a new loving partner in Melinda Spears. His "Brothers from Another Mother", Keith "Iceman" Cox and Jim Mathews will remember Nate for the brotherhood and camaraderie they all shared. Nate leaves behind a host of family members and friends. He will be missed by all. Nate is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne Gene Meaders and Mildred (Turpen) Meaders. Nate's life was a testament to the ability of having fun while enjoying his passions. As we remember Nate, we celebrate the life of a man who never met a stranger, and always lit up the room. His memory will live on as a guiding light for his family and friends.

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