CAMDEN-Dr. Leslie E. ‘Les’ Meckstroth, DVM (retired) died Saturday, December 5, 2009. Funeral service will be held at Powers Funeral Home on Tuesday, December 8th at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at the National Cemetery in Florence, S.C. with Masonic Rites and Full Military Honors. The family will receive visitors at the home and also prior to the funeral service on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. til 11:00 a.m. at Powers Funeral Home. Reverend Dr. Eugene C. Rollins will officiate. Dr. Meckstroth came from a medical family. He was the son of Dr. Charles E. and Martha Howe Meckstroth. His brothers also became physicians. Dr. Meckstroth chose the field of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Meckstroth was a graduate of Otterbein College in 1941 and the Ohio State University School of Veterinary medicine in 1944. He was in private practice in Ohio and California before entering the US Army Veterinary Corps. During his military career, he served in many U.S. States including Hawaii, as well as countries in Asia, Europe and South America. Dr. Meckstroth attended various military schools including the Command General Staff College and the Spanish Language School. He served as instructor at the Army Quartermaster School and the Army Veterinary School. He also served as Commandant at the Veterinary School in Chicago. He received the National Defense Service Medal, U.S. Army Commendation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Forces Medal, and Meritorious Unit Service Medal. He also received Occupation Medals in Germany, South Korea and Bolivia. Dr. Meckstroth retired in 1975 with the rank of Colonel after a 29 year military career, and moved to Camden where he owned Springdale Stables for 28 years. Dr. Meckstroth was a life member of the Kershaw Masonic Lodge #29 and the Jamil Shrine Temple. He was also a member of the American Legion. He was a former member of the Camden Hunt Club, the Springdale Hall Club, the Golden K Club and the Lugoff Kiwanis Club. He attended church at Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church where he was a member. Dr. Meckstroth was predeceased by his first wife, Luise Russell Meckstroth. He is survived by his second wife, Carol R. Meckstroth; daughter, Micki M. Rokusek, daughter and son-in-law, Candi M. and William B. Cocks, granddaughter, Brittany Kekeles, grandson and wife, Quenten and Ellen Rokusek, and great-grandson, Devin Rokusek. He also had four stepchildren: Denise Williams, Bob Williams and wife, Sarah; Susan Branham and husband, Burt; Jeannie Bethel and numerous step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Mary Meckstroth of Bryan, Ohio. He was predeceased by his parents, two brothers, Dr. Norman Meckstroth and Dr. Paul Meckstroth; and one sister, Ruth M. Finlay, all of Ohio. Memorials may be made to the Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church Lakeside Ministry or charity of one’s choice.