Kenneth Herbert Mead

Kenneth Herbert Mead made the courageous decision to rest and quit fighting. He suffered a paralyzing stroke 28 years ago, then spent the last six years as a dialysis patient. Enough was enough; he passed away June 1, 2011. Ken was born on December 3, 1933, in Union, NE to parents, Lucille and Lannie Mead. He spent his school years in Canby, CA and graduated high school in 1951 from the Modoc Union High School in Alturas, CA. Ken was very proud to become an Eagle Scout at 15 years of age. He joined the Navy at 17, and after his four year enlistment, attended Oregon Technical Institute. Upon graduation he was employed as an engineer by IBM, retiring 30 years later in Tucson. Ken loved to travel and, though handicapped, his years of retirement were spent traveling and enjoying life. He was an accomplished amateur coin collector. Ken is survived by his wife of 33 years, Carol; his former wife, June, mother of their four daughters, Kerry Elson, Rhonda Mead and Renee' Silver, all of Colorado and Debra Higginson (John) of Sparks, NV; stepdaughter, Patricia Lewis (Duane) of Tucson and stepson, Charles Core (Barbara) of Austin, TX; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren and his brother, Robert (Susan) of New Hampshire. He was preceded in death by his son, Stanley; stepson, Michael; his father, mother and sister. He leaves many nieces, nephews and loving family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Desert Skies Methodist Church, 3255 N. Houghton Road, on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations in Ken's name to the Community Food Bank. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.