Bruce Meckes

Bruce Bennett Meckes, 85, passed away peacefully at Reading Tower Health on January 29th while holding hands with his beloved daughter and granddaughter.

Bruce was born in Lehighton PA, the son of Homer Meckes and Florence Bennett Meckes.

Bruce graduated from Lehighton High School in 1951 and soon after he was drafted into the US Army. He spent two years in North and South Korea during the Korean conflict. When he returned home he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart Elaine Walizer. Together they celebrated 63 years of marriage on July 3rd.

In 1957 he enrolled at Penn State on the GI bill and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering. His first job was with Union Carbide in New Jersey in their research and development lab, eventually transferring to their sales division. Later he worked for Victor Equipment Company, a division of Pacific Lumber. With Victor he worked for many years in technical sales and later as the manager of their facility in Pittsburgh.
When he learned his uncle was selling the family's legacy business, Bennett's Chocolates, he purchased it and hand crafted Chocolate became his passion. His expertise in chocolate soon led to a position as Sales manager of Van Leer Chocolate, where he was also VP of international sales, serving Singapore, Hong Kong, Taipei, China and Hawaii. He owned and operated Bennett's Chocolates in Reading until his retirement.
An avid model train collector and engineer, he shared that passion with children of all ages, taking great pride in his basement layout of Lionel O gauge trains. He was a member of Lincoln Park Community United Methodist church and served for many years in all capacities. He was known there, and virtually everywhere, as "the candy man".

Bruce is survived by his loving wife Elaine, his beloved daughter Melissa Miller, wife of Keith Miller and two Grandchildren Madysen and Mason Miller, the second loves of his life all of Sinking Spring .Also survived by his son Scott, husband of Cassandra Crouch Meckes of Mississippi.

A memorial service is planned at Lincoln Park Community United Methodist church on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 3:00PM.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his honor to The above church.

Bean Funeral Homes and Crematory of Sinking Spring is in charge of arrangements; online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com