Hollins "Marcel" Meaux

Hollins Marcel Meaux, referred to as “Marcel” or “Pops,” was born on August 13, 1940, in Kaplan, LA, to the late Rev. Hollins Meaux and Thelma Cobb-Meaux. He was born during high water, a time when most families worked in the rice mills. Hollins entered eternal rest surrounded by his devoted granddaughter Kahdijah and beloved son-in-law Roger.

Marcel received his education through the Kaplan and Abbeville School District. He was exceptionally smart, especially in the area of mathematics. As a teenager, Marcel worked in the home of a nearby family who owned a telephone company, caring for their disabled child, doing cooking, lawn mowing, and whatever they asked.

On January 17, 1958, at the age of 17, he joined the Army. He was a Vietnam veteran and retired after 23 1/2 years of honorable service. Once retired from the Army, he began his studies at Hudson Valley Community College. While a student, he received a phone call from the Watervliet Arsenal for employment as a machinist. He paused his studies and accepted the position. He spent the next 17½ years in civil service, working not only as a machinist but also as a missile tech, engineer, administrative supervisor, and ammunition specialist. Later, he reached out to an advisor at Hudson Valley, took his remaining two courses, and was granted his associate’s degree.

Throughout his Army career, he traveled to many places, including Iran, Italy, Thailand, Germany, where he had his daughter Fran, and Okinawa, Japan, where he had his son Anthony. He eventually settled in Albany, New York, where he met the love of his life, Clarrissa G. Meaux. On November 28, 1975, the two were married, and through this union he embraced two stepchildren, Robin Moore and Alvin Wimbush.

He, along with his wife, often traveled back to his hometown via long road trips to visit family. During the summers, Kahdijah and Ciaus would join them. He had a deep love for fishing and ham radio. He was a dedicated member of the Troy Amateur Radio Association (TARA), and his handle was N2YQW. He took great pleasure in volunteering on Field Day with his close friends. He would also spend every Sunday and Monday morning having breakfast with his friends, either at McDonald’s or at Don and Paul’s Diner in Waterford. He had an extensive head collection and almost always had one on.

He will be received by his wife, Clarrissia G. Meaux; his parents, Hollins Meaux and Thelma Cobb-Meaux; and his brothers, Joseph S. Meaux and Phillip Meaux.

He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Francella Haynes (Alvin) of Opelousas, LA; his son, Anthony Meaux of Houston, TX; his stepdaughter, Robin Moore (Roger); and his stepson, Alvin Wimbush, both of Albany, NY. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Kahdijah Austin, Ciaus Simmons-Meaux, Peyton Fisher (Johnathan), Isaiah Meaux, Elijah Meaux, and Amyah Haynes; one great-grandson, Shiloh Austin, and another great-grandson on the way. Also surviving are his brother, Harold Meaux of Houston, TX; Marie Broussard of Kaplan, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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