MEAD, FRANK WALDRETH
Frank Waldreth Mead, 90, of Gainesville, passed away on October 12, 2012 at E.T. York Hospice Care Center.
Frank was born in Columbus, Ohio on June 11, 1922 to Arlington and Edith Mead. He served in WWII in the U.S. Army. He worked as an Entomologist for the State of Florida Dept. of Agriculture from 1953 to his retirement in 1994. He attained a BS and MS from Ohio State and a PhD from NC State.
Frank loved photography, as did his father and grandfather, Frank Harrison, ranging from WWII, the State Plant Board/DPI and his favorite, P.K. Yonge. Frank was also very active in The Audubon Society, Wheaton Club, Alachua County Historical Society and The Florida Entomological Society. Frank also loved athletics, lettering in track at O.S.U., years of playing handball, jogging in marathons and donating blood often. Frank was an avid Gator and Buckeye Fan, loved to travel around the world, listened and an expert in big band swing music, and enjoyed life to the fullest. And, as people know, he was a walking encyclopedia and was in Who's Who in Science and Engineering in both the South and Southwest.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eileen.
He is survived by his sons, Gregory S. (Janice Marie) Mead and David H.(Mari Dawn) Mead and four grandchildren, Scott Arlington Mead, Stephanie April Mead, Ashley Danielle Mead, and Hunter Nicole Mead.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 17 at 2:00 PM at Trinity United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Dan Johnson officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow with military honors at Forest Meadows Memorial Park Central, 4100 NW 39th Avenue, Gainesville.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, 32606.
Arrangements are under the care of Forest Meadows Funeral Home, Cemeteries and Crematory. (352) 378-2528 Please sign his guestbook at www.forestmeadowsfh.com
Published in Gainesville Sun from October 14 to October 15, 2012
