Walter Donald "Buddy" Meeks of Hawley and Abilene passed away Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Abilene. Friends are invited to put on their jeans and boots and join the family at a Memorial service for him at North's Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2:00pm. Buddy was born in Marfa, Texas on June 4, 1930, to Walter Oscar and Velma Cora Meeks. He attended school in Ft Davis. It was there that he learned to ride horses, speak Spanish, and drive trucks while helping his Dad build the road to the new McDonald Observatory. Later, Buddy delivered coal & oil to Valentine, Alpine, and the greater Big Bend region, making lifelong friends because he was a man who loved people and making friends. In the 1940's the family moved to Van Horn where Buddy became the owner/manager of the Philtower Truck Stop. Although he never gave up owning various businesses, Buddy soon started driving trucks full time and moved to El Paso. In El Paso Buddy met the love of his life, Charlene Searcy. They married on December 22, 1950, and for nearly 69 years until Charlene passed away, they raised a family and lived a life full of love, laughter, and the Lord. Once married, Buddy decided he was grown up enough to go by Don instead of his childhood nickname. Not many agreed with him! Don began his formal driving career with Braswell Motor Freight, staying on when that company became a part of the Yellow Freight Company. After 37 years and 3 million logged miles without an accident, Don retired only to discover that he missed the white lines of the road. So, he drove for FedEx for a few years just for fun and truck stop coffee. Don never met a stranger, he made friends in minutes in the line at the post office. Don was truly a King of the Road, he never ignored a stranded motorist or an abandoned kitten. most importantly, Don never, ever passed up the chance to tell a corny joke no matter where he was! Don and Charlene welcomed family and friends into their home with wonderful meals, Bible studies, swimming parties, and rounds of dominoes that he usually won. Their huge hearts were always open to anyone who needed a hug or help. Alzheimer's took much away from Don in his last years, but he always recognized his kids, could still add a column of numbers faster than a calculator, and never forgot how to strategize in dominoes, winning two out of three games against Patrick the day before he passed away. Life took Don and Charlene to many places - El Paso, Dell City, Big Spring, Merkel, Truth or Consequences NM, Mt Juliet TN. They finally retired in Hawley, eventually making their final move to Abilene when they needed more help. They loved each place, adored each church congregation, and made sweet friends in each town. Don was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Roy Adams and Joe Meeks, precious wife Charlene Searcy Meeks, beloved son David Wesley Meeks, and treasured great-granddaughter Ivy Paige Humphrey. Don leaves behind his daughter, Janece Hibler, favorite son-in-law, A Patrick Hibler, and son, Walter Donald Meeks II. Eight grandchildren who loved their GranDaddy deeply: Dr. Taylor A Hibler (Colby Dennis), Chelsee J Hibler, Walter Donald Meeks III (Erin), Carolyn E Humphrey (Michael), Stacey M Dobson, David Wesley Meeks II, Tiffany D O'Loane (Billy), and Jeffrey Case Meeks (Stephanie) as well as ten great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. He also leaves several nieces and nephews who adored their Uncle Buddy. Special thanks to the heroes at Mesa Springs who helped both Don and Charlene navigate the last years of each of their lives with love and kindness. So many of the nurses, aides, PT's, OT's, and staff members have become like family to us, we appreciate and cherish them. Our Dad~GranDaddy~Uncle Buddy lived his life respected and adored by all who met him, and in such a way that when he goes before the Lord, he will hear, 'well done, good and faithful servant'. We are blessed to have known someone who shall be truly missed, well and lovingly remembered. Until we meet again, Daddy, you will be a sparkling light in our hearts.