On May 21, 2026, at United States Department of Veterans Affairs Community Living Center in Marion, Illinois, Dennoriss Meeks gave his final salute surrounded by his loved ones.

Dennoriss Meeks, 76, was born on October 9, 1949, in Herrin, Illinois, to Louis and Norah (Page) Meeks. Affectionately known as “De,” he was the seventh of ten children born to this union.

He graduated from Herrin High School in 1969 and, shortly thereafter, was drafted into the United States Army, serving his country during the Vietnam War. During his military service, De earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal with two overseas bars. He also achieved distinction as a Marksman with the M-14 rifle and an Expert with the M-16 rifle. Following his honorable discharge, De returned home to Colp, Illinois.

Dennoriss began his career with Herrin School District Unit 4 as a bus driver before transitioning into the role of custodian at Herrin High School, where he faithfully served for 34 years until his retirement. To know De was truly to love him. He was a man of great character who deeply loved children, his family, and his community. Those who knew him could always share a memorable story or meaningful encounter that reflected his kindness, encouragement, and unwavering dedication to others.

De had a lifelong love for sports, especially baseball, and was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. In 2010, he was honored as a member of the Herrin High School Athletics Hall of Fame, inducted as a “Friend of HHS Athletics,” and recognized as an “Unsung Hero” by WSIL-TV for his devoted service, loyalty, and steadfast support of Herrin Tiger athletics and its student-athletes.

Dennoriss was a faithful member of Shaffer Chapel A.M.E. Church, where he actively served as a Steward until his health declined.

On June 29, 1991, Dennoriss married Audrey (Sadberry), and together they built a loving family with her daughter, Jerri.

While we mourn his passing, our lives are richer because of the time we shared with Dennoriss. He will forever remain in the hearts of his daughter, Jerri Adkinson of Carbondale, Illinois; five brothers, Donald (Ideria) Page of Chicago, Illinois, Wrophas Meeks of Carbondale, Illinois, Louis Meeks and James Meeks, both of Colp, Illinois, and Carey Meeks of Fayetteville, Georgia; one sister, Beatrice Walls of Colp, Illinois; sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn (Larry) Shaw of Carbondale, Illinois, and Deborah McCoy of Champaign, Illinois; a host of nieces and nephews, with special acknowledgment to Steve, Leslie, Jade, Pavielle, and Nikura; great-nieces and great-nephews; cousins; his best friend, Mike Venegoni; and lifelong friends, with special acknowledgment to Gary Rafe and Clarence Kincaid.

Dennoriss was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Audrey; his parents; maternal and paternal grandparents; siblings, Nina, Melvin, and Charlestine; nephews, Timothy and David; son-in-law, Joe; in-laws, Erma, Diana, Mamie, Greg, and Micky; aunts, Irma, Elizabeth, and Claudeh; and a special cousin, Curtis.

Ministry of Comfort was lovingly entrusted to Southern Cremation and Burial Services of Murphysboro, Illinois,