David Leslie Meade

David Leslie Meade, 73, husband of Sharon Meade, claimed victory in Jesus over death Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at his home surrounded by family. He was born November 27, 1952, in Fort Meade, Maryland to the late Howard Leslie and Lillian Williams Meade.

Dave grew up in Paintsville, Kentucky, romping around with two wonderful brothers, cousins that were more like siblings, and aunts, uncles, parents, and grandparents who instilled wisdom and modeled hard work. Though his father passed when Dave was 19, Lillian and Howard's home was always one of provision and virtue.

Following a youth of tinkering with engines and making deliveries for the Williams Wholesale, Dave worked as an engineering technician and proudly served his country in the United States Army. He later earned a degree in mining engineering from the University of Kentucky and began his career in the coal industry.

Dave would credit his faithful mother, Lillian, and her prayers for him as one of the Lord's most prevenient graces in his life. After fully committing to following Jesus as his Lord in his mid-30s, David became an example of the Holy Spirit's transforming power, embodying the strength and courage of his faith. This change expressed itself not only in Dave's character but also in how he spent his time. Dave began serving with the local youth group, helping with a boy scout troop, and going on short international mission trips.

A trip to Costa Rica introduced Dave to Sharon. Dave and Sharon were married in 1993. They welcomed Leslie and then Olivia with great joy.

Dave loved his church families and communities in both Paintsville and Versailles. As he served his family, nurturing and caring for his wife and daughters, he also participated in the Woodford Gideons, Woodford Young Life, a local jail ministry, and mentoring young men. He was always dependable for anyone who needed help, especially his mother and in-laws.

Retirement for Dave was marked by hours of playing with his granddaughters, perfecting pepper jelly recipes, resurrecting lawnmowers, tending the garden, and general "ginning around." Unless he was watching a movie with Sharon, stillness for Dave nearly always meant he was spending time reading his Bible or talking with the Lord he loved.

David's life was founded on the Lord's love for him – he trusted it with all his heart. This confidence helped bear the fruit of humility, faithfulness, sincerity, and faith. He encouraged so many. He walked with the Lord as a friend and worshiped him as King, and he invited those he knew to do the same through his life. "Taste and see that the Lord is good."

David will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 33 years, Sharon Cain Meade, daughters, Leslie Meade, Versailles, Olivia (McKinley) Flint, Versailles, brothers, Don C. (Kathy) Meade, Louisville, Philip Meade, Paintsville, granddaughters, Hilde Flint and Marryn Flint, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Kim Meade.

Dave's Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 6, 2026, at First Alliance Church, 2201 Old Higbee Mill, Lexington, KY 40514. The service will be livestreamed; contact the family for the link. Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of the service. Private family burial will take place at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Meade, Phil Meade, McKinley Flint, Matt Meade, Dan Meade, Jimmy Xu, and Ralph Gosney. Honorary pallbearers will be the Wesley Covenant Fellowship Monday Night Prayer Group and the men of the Woodford Gideon Camp. Memorial contributions are suggested to Woodford Gideon Camp, PO Box 196, Versailles, KY 40383. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and leave messages of condolence on David's tribute wall at www.BlackburnandWard.com.