CHIEF negotiator dies in east Houston house fire

Houston Chronicle ^ | October 4, 2001 | S.K. BARDWELL

[Taxman]

A 53-year-old man died in an early morning house fire in southeast Houston today.

The man, whose name has not yet been released [I confirmed that this was, indeed, my FRiend, Herb Meadows, known to all of us on FRee Republic by his screen name, "CHIEF negotiator"] was found by Houston firefighters in a bathroom in the rear of his home in the 8000 block of Glencrest, after the house burned about 1:30 a.m.

Firefighters said the man's wife told them she was watching television in the home's living room when she heard a loud pop and her husband shouting from the back of the home.

The woman tried unsuccessfully to rescue her husband, firefighters said. She was taken to St. Luke's Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation symptoms.

Firefighters said it appeared the man tried to get out of the burning home, but the heavy smoke entered the bathroom, where he collapsed.

Arson investigators are at the scene of the fire this morning looking for its cause.

[COB1]

We're thinking along the same lines, pete.
I was going to try to gather some info on his life after the funeral.

Taxman, would you please inform me when the funeral is going to be and where.
I definitely want to be there.
If you and bigun can help me gather the info I'd put together the memorial page.
Thanks. cob1@addr.com

[OwenKellogg]

Chief, you'll be missed, but never forgotten.

:-? Peace(pipe)

[IowaHawk]

My deepest sympathies to Mr. Meadows' family. I greatly enjoyed his posts. May he rest in peace.

In Sorrow,

IH

[Democratic_Machiavelli]

Wow. Brand-new here. Didn't know him but wish I had after reading the replies. Considering he was a sniper, I wonder if God has sent him after OBL. :) Sounds like he'd like that assignment.

I'll pray for his family.

[Fred Mertz]

Chief:

I am shocked and saddened to lose you today. My prayers are with your wife, family and loved ones. If your wife needs any help have her contact any of your FReeper FRiends.

Please recon and secure a good location behind the pearly gates and save me a good seat! Darn it, I'll miss you.

Fred

[Chapita]

So sorry to hear this!!!

My sincere condolences to his family!

[technochick99]

How terribly sad.... :(

CHIEF - when you bump into Washington, Jefferson and the rest of the boys, remind them we're still down here carrying on their work.

[McGavin999]

OMG no! He was one of my favorite FRiends. It's so hard to understand how you can love someone you've never met, but you can and you do. I will miss him.

[piasa]

I'm going to miss you, sir. Thank you for your service and may God bless your family through this and beyond.

We'll be praying for your wife and family.

[michigander]

:-? Peace(pipe)

R.I.P

:-(

[swheats]

Thanks ClancyJ prayers for the family.

[Critter]

"(Though I think I am on record as being the only freeper never flamed by Deb)"

I don't buy it. The only freeper that's never been flamed by Deb, is Deb, and I'm not even willing to bet on that. :)

[PRND21]

Has anyone started a fund for his family?
Count me in.

[pigdog]

CHIEF negotiator (Herb Meadows) was not a wealthy man to judge by the meager measure of worldly goods, though his heart was a big as anyone might ever have seen.

To those who would like to help his remaining family and ease their financial burden somewhat, it is possible to donate to a memorial fund for CHIEF netotiator's family by clicking on this link and then following the information given there. It is on THREAD II.

It would be a thing well worth doing.

Little Willie was "The Worst President In American History".

[BufordP]

God bless the Chief.

I can't say anymore. I'm speechless...

[goodieD]

Prayers and God Bless...

[nutmeg]

This is terribly sad news... our thoughts and prayers are certainly with CHIEF negotiator's family and friends today.

CHIEF negotiator: You will be very much missed here at Free Republic.

[backhoe]

Thanks for telling me- what a shock! Had a number of enjoyable "chats" with him. He will be missed.

[Gracey]

I'm sorry for your loss. This is unbelieveable.