Leslie James Meadows
  • Born on: December 13, 1951
  • Departed on: April 23, 2020
  • Resided in: Ames, IA

Leslie James Meadows

Leslie James Meadows, 68, of Ames, passed away peacefully the evening of Thursday, April 23, 2020 in hospice care at Israel House from complications of kidney failure and pneumonia. Per his wishes, he was cremated.  A celebration of Les’s life will be held later when COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

Les was born on December 13, 1951 in Boone, Iowa, the oldest of eight siblings.  Les attended Bryant elementary school and was active in Little League baseball and a Babe Ruth All Star. A 1970 graduate of Boone High School, Les also played Toreador basketball, sang in a rock band, and worked for Belluci’s Pizza and Sounds electronics. 

Following graduation Les began his career with the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad as a clerk in Clinton, Iowa.  He continued working for the railroad in Cedar Rapids and Boone becoming a conductor and an active member of the railroad union.  Les ended his railroad career with the Union Pacific Rail Operating Crafts Training Services Department where he set up computerized training for other railroaders until his retirement in 2013

Upon retirement Les enjoyed being a van driver for Lithia Honda Nissan. 

But most of all his retirement was enjoyed by being around his grandson Joel Meadows!

Les also served in the Iowa National Guard. 

On February 17, 1973, Les was united in marriage to Dawn Morello. With this union, they welcomed a son, Jim.  Together they lived in Boone, Cedar Rapids, and finally settled into the Ames community.  Les and Dawn were delighted when Jim moved his family from Phoenix to Ames.  Having them near allowed more time spent with Jim, Drea and their grandson...enjoying Joel’s school and sporting events, trips to amusement parks, restaurants, and other family activities.

Les was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, and friend. We remember him with great fondness for his commitment, sense of humor, generous heart, and love of anything that had to do with the Iowa Hawkeyes, music, politics, and new technologies. Les always had the latest technology gadget!

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Dawn Meadows; son, Jim (Drea); grandson, Joel; brothers Russell, Donald, Darryl Dean, and Steven; sisters Cheryl (Kurt) Conover and Pam (Steve) Knutson; nieces and nephews; extended family; friends; and his devoted Labradoodle, Molly.  

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Donald L. Meadows; parents-in-law, Yvonne Heshelman and Edward Morello; brother, Earl Meadows; and infant grandson Alec Meadows.

Those wishing to express their sympathies through a memorial may direct them to the family.

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