Meister, Dr. Charles W.

Dr. Charles W. Meister

Services: Have been held.

Dr. Charles W. Meister , 87, of Pine, Ariz., died Friday, April 2, 2004, in Pine, Ariz.

He was born on Jan. 23, 1917, in Chicago.

He received his Ph.D. in 1941 from the University of Chicago, majoring in Russian literature. In World War II he was awarded five battle stars while serving as a Captain in the Army infantry. He also represented the U.S. for education and religious affairs in Berlin. In the 1950s he was a professor at Arizona State College and then became dean of instruction and academic vice-president. From 1965 until 1975 he was president of Eastern New Mexico University, where he helped develop the school’s Head Start, Newgate and Upward Bound programs. In retirement, he had eight books published, ranging from American history to religion to terrorism. He was an expert on Anton Chekhov and all world religions. He also was an accomplished speaker on many subjects and an excellent all-around athlete. While in Pine he was very active in community affairs, including the Pine Library, the Pine-Strawberry Medical Clinic and the Payson United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor Meister; and a daughter, Marilyn Emanuel.

Survivors include a son, Charles Meister (and wife, Sherri) of Flagstaff, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Glenn and Greg Emanuel and Jessica and Alyse Meister; and a great-grandchild, Skylar Meister.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Payson United Methodist Church, 414 N. Easy Street, Payson, AZ 85541 or RTA Hospice, 107 E. Frontier Street, Payson, AZ 85541.

Arrangements are by Messinger Payson Funeral Home in Payson, Ariz.