FRYEBURG – Francis R. “Sailor” Meakem, age 63, died peacefully Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta after a lengthy illness.

Sailor is survived by his wife, Jolene Barker of Fryeburg; as well as his loving children, Joel Meakem of Kingston, N.Y., and Francie Meakem of Bartlett, N.H. He also leaves behind his mother, Barbara Mees, of Waterford, Conn.; as well his brothers and sisters: John Meakem of Silver Spring, Md., Donald Meakem of Willimantic, Conn., Julie Carignan of Coventry, Conn., Brenda Perkins of Windham, Conn., and Michael Meakem of Dayville, Conn. He also raised three stepchildren including: Clayton Barker, Amy Winslow, and Joshua Baker. He was also a loving grandfather to five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Frank was born in Portland, and grew up in Willimantic, Conn. He served two years with distinction as a Marine in Vietnam, where he earned several medals, including the Purple Heart. He was wounded by a mine on patrol near Phu Bai, and medically discharged shortly thereafter. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him, as friends and family will attest. He moved back home to Bridgton in 1990. Sailor founded and served for 28 years as President of the VNVMC (Vietnam Vets Motorcycle Club) Northeast. He was a member of the Masons Pythagorean Lodge in Fryeburg.

A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, May 10, 2014, at Pine Grove Cemetery in Fryeburg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Frank Meakem to Fryeburg Rescue, P.O. Box 177, Fryeburg, ME 04037. Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org