Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

along the way and visited many historical sites. Their living quarters were described as “a crummy, old apartment in a Victorian home in the town of Townsend Harbor.” After sixmonths of training,Donwas assigned to theArmy’sElectronic Proving Ground at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Pat was pregnant with their first child, and the transfer to Arizona was described as “driving with a spare tire and a diaper pail strapped to the top of the car.” Their first son, Charles Edwin, was born in what was described as “an old, wooden barracks-type hospital.” Rejecting further time in the Army, which would potentially have led to a PhD degree in nuclear engineering and the rank of General, Don chose to end his Army life and return to Jackson, Mississippi, for employment with the Mississippi Power & Light (now Entergy). According to Pat, “Our reason for returning home was because we had these ‘old’ parents in their late 40’s whom we thought needed our help. That was how naïve we were!” However, the move would create a wonderful corporate career requiring the family to move to many towns and cities before finally returning to Jackson for the next 30 years. In 1961, their second son, Christopher Stone, was born. When Christopher entered high school, Pat completed requirements for a B.Ed. at Belhaven University and taught fourth grade for five years. The Meiners’s most recent move was to Kirby Pines on November 1, 2023. Their decision was determined after visiting seven similar places and realizing Kirby was the best choice. Also, Don admits that he doesn’t like being a property manager, and Pat says she enjoys not having to cook or decide what they are going to eat. “Giving up many of the beautiful things I have collected was one of the most difficult things I have had to do,” admits Pat. Don and Pat’s life has been enriched by a number of community and philanthropic involvements. Don has led organizations such as the United Way, Boys Clubs of America, Chambers of Commerce, economic development corporations, and as an executive for the International Ballet competition. Pat’s interest in art led her to be President of the Mississippi Museum of Art Auxiliary and the Gallery Guild of the Mississippi Museum of Arts. She chaired many organizations such as Art for the Heart, Symphony Ball, cancer research, and a state-wide reading program. Both have served on the foundation boards of their respective universities. Extensive travels in the states and abroad have added many adventures to the Meiners’s lives. Their family now includes “two wonderful daughters-in-law and two smart and beautiful granddaughters.” Since moving to Kirby, Don and Pat are staying busy– Don with his painting and Pat with bridge. Both Don and Pat agree, “We look forward to being part of Kirby Pines for a long time. The adventure continues!” Written by Joan Dodson, Resident of Kirby Pines The Pinecone | September 2024 • 7 • Don and Pat Meiners have moved 16 times since they have been together. “Moving a lot was a lemon,” says Pat, “but each move would become an adventure. Our philosophy has been: When life hands you a lemon, you make the best glass of lemonade possible.” Both Don and Pat’s families moved to Hazlehurst, Mississippi, when Don and Pat were in the fifth grade; Don’s family relocated there two years prior to Pat’s family. Although Hazlehurst is a small town, they did not meet until both were in high school when Pat was in the tenth grade and Don was a senior. In their high school years, Don was president of the student body, played sports, and was the school artist. Pat was a majorette and worked on the staffs of the school newspaper and yearbook. “It was during our work on the yearbook that we became interested in one another,” remembers Pat. When Don invited Pat to a dance, Pat was influenced by Don having his own car and accepted the invitation. Something “clicked,” and they continued to date through Don’s senior year. Don made certain that Pat was “captured” by giving her an engagement ring before leaving for college and making sure that everyone else in Hazlehurst knew by announcing it on the radio station where he was working that summer! Don and Pat’s plan was to obtain a college education. Don was interested in television and enrolled in Electrical Engineering at Mississippi State. Pat chose Home Economics at Mississippi University for Women. When Don graduated in May 1957, Pat’s education was put on hold. Pat Stone would become Pat Meiners in June 1957, and together, they would begin many exciting life adventures. Don requested, and was granted, a one- year deferment from his ROTC obligation to serve in the Army. The couple moved to Dallas, Texas, where Don worked as an Antenna Design Engineer for Chance Vaught Aircraft. This work involved him in the new phase of aeronautics. John Glenn was a test pilot for Chance Vaught, yet neither Don nor Pat knew who he was until he flew the first manned space orbit. The following year, Don began his service in the Army. This would begin a series of many moves. Commissioned as a second lieutenant, Don was first assigned for a six month officer training program in the US Army Security Agency at Fort Devens, Massachusetts. According to Pat, the drive to Massachusetts for a couple who had never been out of the south was daunting and certainly a great adventure as they stopped LIVING ANOTHER ADVENTURE Resident Spotlight: Don & Pat Meiners First Date 1952