August 3, 1933 – October 5, 2023
Bill Bronson Meador passed away on October 5, 2023–during his favorite month of the year in Moab. Bill was born to Carroll J. and Gwyn Bronson Meador on August 3, 1933, in Fruita, Colorado. Bill was the youngest of three children. His siblings were Carroll Junior Meador and Donna Jeanne Meador Reid. He lived in Moab most of his life and attended Moab schools. He loved and participated in sports; football and track were his favorites. While in high school, he played on the all-state football team as a halfback. Bill set new state records in the 200- and 100-yard dash events in track. He was also in the band and chorus, singing with the All-State Chorus.
As a young boy, Bill helped his brother, Junior, move their cows from Mill Creek (near where Ken’s Lake is now) up over the mesa to the mountain. At that time, Moab did not have air conditioning and to get out of the heat he spent his summers with his mother, Junior and Donna at their cabin near Warner Lake. His father worked in Moab during the week and came to the cabin for the weekend.
After graduating from Grand County High School in 1951, Bill joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for three years, including a combat tour during the Korean War. Bill married Gery Leaming in 1952 and they had one son, Randy Bill. The couple later divorced.
In 1954, Bill married Inalyn Young and they were blessed with four children: Maurine (Dale), Shawn B. (Richard), Jeffrey Lee (deceased 1977) and Jared Bronson (Amy). They have five grandchildren: Hope Elaine Chapin (John Thomas), Connie Lynn Foote Hernandez (Cecillia-CeCe), Billy Bruin (Raylee), Brooke Elizabeth and Kailee Gwyn Meador.
After being discharged from the Marines, Bill worked at many different jobs before going to college. He traveled to Texas, Louisiana, Montana and Indiana for years working in the seismograph process of locating oil.
Bill graduated from the College of Southern Utah, where he participated in both football and track. He then attended Utah State Agriculture College (now Utah State University) earning a Bachelor of Science in social studies and physical education. Later he earned his Master of Science degree in physiology. He returned to school for several summers to earn an administrative endorsement.
Bill returned to Moab to teach at the junior high school. He helped start the first football and basketball competitive programs and later assisted in coaching the high school football and basketball teams. In August 1972, he was appointed assistant superintendent of the Grand County School System. He served for over six years and then was appointed the superintendent for nearly 17 years, during which he made many lifetime friends.
One year while he was superintendent, the economy in Moab was at its lowest. In order to be operational, Grand County Schools went to a four-day week. It was a struggle to bring the district back to being operational. A number of new additions began during Bill’s administration, such as starting the adult education program, the vocational educational center, the Sundwall Center for Special Education, and arranging with the Utah State University for high school students to work and get college credits while still in high school.
Bill could be a little stern, but was also very caring and loving. His family was his life and he loved being with them, even if it was a phone call. He enjoyed family get-togethers, hiking and being out in the hills with his kids, their cousins and friends. He was proud and happy to escort his daughter to her Daddy-Daughter parties, dance reviews and activities. He supported his boys in all of their activities and coached them in baseball. He loved his kids and grandkids, all of them lit up his life.
A memorial service was held for Bill on October 10 at the L.D.S. Chapel on 4th North in Moab. In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Grand County High School Drill Team.
You may send condolences to the family at www.SpanishValleyMortuary.com.
