Orangeville, Ill. Eugene P. Meads, 75, of Orangeville died Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010, at St. Mary Hospital in Rochester, Minn. He was born and raised in Freeport, the son of Harold and Lois (Wright) Meads. Upon his graduation from Freeport High School, he joined the U.S. Navy, and was stationed on the USS Saratoga. After his service he attended the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, and received his teaching degree from Illinois State University. Mr. Meads was a sixth-grade teacher in Winnebago School District at Seward Grade School, eventually becoming principal. Many area residents will remember Gene as owner of a whitewashing business, and later, as a Dairy Inspector for the Illinois Department of Public Health. Traveling throughout northern Illinois since 1978, Gene tested milk at area dairy farms and cheese factories.He purchased a farm in rural Orangeville in 1989, and lived his lifelong dream of being a farmer. Gene was currently engaged in farming. He also was a member of the Eagles Club. Surviving family members include his son, David, his wife, Lisa, and their children, Jacob and Kevin of Winnebago; and his daughter, Patty, her husband, Les, and their children, Laura, Michelle and Michael of Orangeville.Also surviving are his brother, Roger (Stanie) Meads of Hortonville, Wis.; his sister, Phyllis (Ken) Hansen of Waukesha, Wis.; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Thomas McLeRoy. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, at Walker Mortuary, 321 W. Main St., Freeport. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Walker Mortuary. A memorial fund has been established in his name. Gene's family invites friends to extend condolences, share a memory, or light a candle in his honor at www.walkermortuary.com.