Walter Meador

(From Parker Mortuary)

Walter Austin Meador Jr., age 77, of Joplin, MO passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 surrounded by his family.

Walter was born on May 7, 1946 in Joplin, MO to the late union of Walter Sr. and Thelma (Williams) Meador.

He was a 1964 graduate of Joplin High School. He attended Joplin Junior College where he received an associate degree. While attending Southwest Missouri State College in Springfield, he was drafted and served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. 

After returning home, he obtained his master’s degree in business marketing from the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. Walt taught business classes from 1971 – 1974 at Southwest Missouri State University. Walt was first introduced to lasers while working as a Liaison Officer for the Imperial Iranian Air Force in 1974. He said the only reason he was able to see this impressive laser was because of his roommate’s family having political connections to the military. He then went on to purchase his first laser in 1975 for $15,000. 

Walt was one of the founders of the International Laser Display Association (ILDA). This group was the leading worldwide association for companies and persons doing laser light shows, and providing lasershow-related projectors, hardware, software, and services. Supporting safe and ethical laser shows since their founding in 1986. 

In October of 1999, Walt and his company, Laser Rentals Inc., were featured at the Sky Power & Beyond Lase Millennium Celebration in Houston, TX. He used 21 laser systems linked by telephone lines, which was a world record at the time. His equipment was used in several millennial shows in Monterrey, Mexico, as well as, the 1999 New Year’s Eve celebration in Philadelphia. 

On October 8, 2000, he received first place for an outdoor show while attending the ILDA 2000 conference in Stuttgart, Germany. Walt was extremely proud of his business, Laser Rentals Inc. that he had owned and operated for 34 years before his passing. He also enjoyed his casino nights with his best friend, Richard James.

 

Walter is survived by his wife, Rhonda Meador, of the home; two daughters, Sarah Fuller and Stephanie Huston and husband, Jason; one stepson, Rob Morrison and wife, Megan; one brother, Mike Meador and wife, Angie; one sister, Dorothy Moskop; and nine grandchildren, Alex Fuller, Valhalla, Marie, Valkyrie, Korvin, Fletcher, Breanne, Katie, and Jack.

A 21 Laser Beam Salute Memorial will be held on Saturday, November 11, 2023 at dusk at Walter’s Home.