Robert Melvourne Meith

Robert Melvourne Meith, 94, of Diamondhead, Mississippi, passed away on Friday, March 30, 2024.

Robert was born October 2, 1929 in Dallas, Texas to Nadine Haley and Robert Mistrot Meith. He lived in Metairie, LA with his parents during Grammar and High School. His family moved his Senior year to Falls Church, VA, where he attended Falls Church High School. He would have graduated in 1947 but elected to stay one more year and play football with his best friend and brother-in-law, Roger Cole. While in high school, he focused on math and science classes and graduated in June, 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 26, 1948 and was honorably discharged on December 12, 1953. He served honorably in the Korean War. After his distinguished Army career, he attended William & Mary and played on the football team. After, he transferred to Virginia Polytechnical Institute (now Virginia Tech) to study Engineering. He earned his Master’s Degree from Tulane University in New Orleans, LA. On April 9, 1955, he married Diane Yolande Cornwell. Diane and Bob then resided in New Orleans and had five children: Debra Diane, Robert Kenneth, David Mistrot, Susan Patricia, & Laurie Anne. While living in New Orleans he worked for Chevron Oil Company for 30 years and retired in 1986. During this time, they were transferred to San Francisco twice. After retiring, they moved to Diamondhead, Mississippi where they joined various organizations and clubs, the Krewe of Diamondhead, Krew of Olympus, Diamondhead Boaters Association, The Red and White Gala, The Chicago Party, the Dreamers, the Black and White, ROMEO’s (raunchy old men eating out), and Fin & Feathers, just to name a few. Robert was a member and the commander of the local VFW for many years. He also served as one of the founders of the Krewe of Olympus and served on its Board of Directors. He also served on the Board of Directors of Diamondhead Performing Arts (DPAS). 

He loved and rode Harley Davidson motorcycles during his time in the Army. Marriage and raising five kids did not allow him the opportunity to own a motorcycle for many years. But after the kids were grown and after riding his son’s Harley Davidson a couple of times, he finally bought one. This motorcycle was very special to him. His decision to give up riding was one of the most challenging and sacrificial endeavors of his life.  

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Diane Cornwell and his parents Nadine Haley and Robert Meith. He is survived by his two sisters Patricia Cole and Nikki Hulm (Peter), five children, 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. 

He will be greatly missed.

Services will take place on Monday, April 15, 2024 at Edmond Fahey Funeral Home, 110 S. Necaise Ave., Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi. Visitation from 11:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m. Memorial Service at 12:00 p.m. Army Honors and Graveside Service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Ave., Biloxi, Mississippi. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the VFW Children’s Home, (800-424-8360, www.vfwnationalhome.org) or the Gulf Coast Mississippi Salvation Army, (228-207-1218, Kroc MS Coast).

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Robert M. Meith.