Kipland Jerald Meece, 56, of Galesburg, Illinois, died unexpectedly, September 14, 2022 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, Illinois.
Kip was born July 22, 1966 in Galesburg, Illinois. Kip graduated from Knoxville High School in 1984. Kip served in the US Navy for four years. He had a passion for cars and motorcycles and went on to work for many years as an autobody repair technician at various places around Galesburg.
Kip is survived by his mother, Kay (Van) Jennings of Cadiz, Kentucky; two sons, Sean (Savanna) Meece of South Carolina, Cody (Sarah) Meece of Peoria, Illinois; one stepson, Christian (Abby) Kirby of Dumont, Iowa; and two stepdaughters, Lacie Cain of Florida and Stormye Kirby of Galesburg. Kip is also survived by two sisters, Becky (Doug) McBride of Knoxville, Illinois and Elizabeth (Brock) Tarver of Cadiz, Kentucky; ten grandchildren; and his girlfriend, Tara Braaten of Galesburg. Kip was preceded in death by his father, Raymond E. Meece; and two sisters, Kathy Cole and Penny Johnson.
Kip will be remembered as a quiet and shy guy who never sought the limelight. He had a great sense of humor; loved his family deeply especially his mother.
Cremation has been accorded. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Kip’s cremated remains will be buried with his father and grandmother at Trenton Cemetery in Persifer Twp. rural Knox County, Illinois. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to a charity of the donor’s choosing. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
