Bob Mead

Robert "Bob" Mead's earthly journey ended, and his eternal life began, on Monday, January 19, 2026, while surrounded by his dearly loved family.

Bob was born on August 20, 1935, to Corwin and Evea Mead. He and his brother, Pat, were raised in North Platte, Nebraska, where service to others was a way of life. His mother, Evea, was a nurse and one of the founders of the first hospital in North Platte, and his father, Corwin, worked as an agricultural photographer for the University of Nebraska.

North Platte is famously known for the North Platte Canteen during World War II, and Bob's family played an instrumental role in organizing thousands of local volunteers who met every troop train passing through town. From December 1941 to April 1946, these volunteers served millions of soldiers free food, coffee, cakes, and companionship along the Union Pacific Railroad, offering a warm taste of home during uncertain times.

Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed in

Germany. After returning from military service, he explored following in his father's footsteps and was accepted into Brooks Institute, the most prestigious photography program in the nation. Although he enjoyed photography, Bob's true calling was service to others. Possessing a deep servant's heart, he earned a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Nebraska and devoted his career to helping troubled youth.

In 1961, Bob married Barbara Sutton, and together they were blessed with three sons: Bryan, Mike, and Steve. In 1975, Bob moved to Blue Springs, Missouri, with his boys and began his work managing boys' youth homes throughout the Midwest.

On May 31, 1983, Bob married Carol McCarter. Together they embraced the adventure of blending families and raising six sons and one daughter. Once they became empty nesters, Bob and Carol enjoyed traveling, and their shared love of the water led them to purchase a lake home at Table Rock in 1989. In 1998, they made it their full-time residence.

For more than 30 years, Bob and Carol's 25 grandchildren spent their summers at the lake, making memories that will last a lifetime. Bob patiently taught them to water ski and tube, while days were filled with swimming, laughter, and outdoor fun from sunup to sundown. Friends and family always knew who to call when help was needed - Bob was ever ready and willing to lend a hand.

Above all else, Bob was a devoted family man who loved God deeply and cherished time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and great-great- grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his seven children: Bryan (Brenda) Mead, Mike (Lana) Mead, Steve Mead, Mike (Lisa) McCarter, Mark (Kim) McCarter, Kerry (Scott) Hepler, and John (Kim) McCarter; 25 grandchildren; 21 great-

grandchildren; and 2 great-great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol McCarter Mead; his parents; his brother, Pat Mead; and his grandchildren, Erin and lan McCarter.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held from 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at Elks Lodge #2509, located at 100 NE Brizendine Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014.

Bob spent his final days in the compassionate care of the Missouri Veterans Home in Cameron, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Robert C. Mead to the Missouri Veterans Home, 1111 Euclid Avenue, Cameron, MO 64429.