Dirk Meinhart, aka Big O, passed away unexpectedly on July 25th, 2025 at the age of 66. He passed peacefully in his sleep, at his home on the farm, just outside of Harned, KY.
A beloved son, brother, husband, proud father, uncle and friend – Dirk was loved by many. Big O is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carol, son, Dirk, (Little O), mother, Ingeburg Marren, brothers, Chris (Jennifer) and Mark, along with a host of family and friends. Dirk was preceded in death by his father, Rolf Meinhart, and stepfather, John Marren.
Dirk was born in Louisville and spent the majority of his life either in Louisville, Elizabethtown or as of late relaxing on the farm. His early stomping grounds were off Bardstown road on Brighton Dr. Where he graduated from Atherton High School. He was an avid athlete. Playing baseball and basketball. And at some point he inherited a passion for golf from his father.
Whether shooting a basketball or putting a putt, countless times people have commented on his silky smooth touch. He had an even smoother touch with people. After getting a summer job at Louisville Downs as a kid. He developed a passion for horses. Dirk’s early adulthood was spent in the Harness Horse Racing industry. Where he bred, trained and raced harness horses.
Chasing wins around the country from tracks in California, Florida, Missouri, and Kentucky. It was in
this period of his life that he seems to have become farmer Dirk. Dirk met the love of his life, Carol, and in 1985 they were married. He returned to college as an adult and graduated with a degree in accounting from the University of Louisville.
Along with a few stints in the restaurant business, he spent the majority of his career raising cattle on the farm and as a self employed accountant. The last years have been spent as the General Manager at Falls of the Rough Resort working along side Little O, happier than ever.
Big O will be missed by his work family and the many guests/friends he met while at the golf course. He poured his heart and soul into everything he did. Part of what makes his sudden departure so difficult is that he was and always will be larger than life.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor, to a charity near and dear to your heart.
Because there is so much of Big O’s life to celebrate there will be two celebration of life parties. One in Central time: Lafayette Golf Club August 3rd from 4-7 central time at: 57 Jenny Green Rd., Falls of Rough, Kentucky 40119 There will also be a celebration in Eastern time at his brother, Chris’ house. August 9th, at 5pm EST. 131 North Hite Louisville, KY 40206.
