Johnny Ray Mead

Obituary

Johnny (John) Ray Mead

March 22, 1941- September 4, 2025

Johnny (John) Ray Mead went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 4, 2025. He was born March 22, 1941 in Thermopolis to Frank and Leverta Mead, one of six children. He was educated in Arapaho, Wyoming through the 8th grade before moving to Thermopolis. At the age of 13, he went to work to help support his family, working various jobs including ranching, fencing and guiding hunters. At the age of 18 he started in the oilfield, where he worked for R&S Well Service for almost 30 years. During this time, he and his brother-in-law, Harold Harvey, started their own company, Brand X, a roustabout service at Grass Creek Wyoming. His son Chuck and stepfather Gene Shipley worked the business for them. During his "retirement years", John did some road construction and went back to the oil field, working along-side his son Luke at Cross Roads Water Trucks. He loved farming and kept equipment to do haying for himself, his friends and neighbors, until the age of 81. His interests were hunting, cowboying, and "visit'n."

He married "his girl" and the love of his life, Sis Hurley on January 1, 1961. Together they raised three children, Chuck, Luke and Shawnda. The family enjoyed sports, hunting, camping, racing motorcycles and family get togethers.

He never met a stranger. He never forgot your face or name of someone he met. He cherished time with his family and friends, always wanting to show hospitality…the bigger the better. He loved hosting pig roasts and cooked many hogs on his homemade smoker. He also loved a good poker game or playing rummy.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sis of 64 ½ years; son, Luke (Valerie); daughter, Shawnda (Tate); daughter-in-law, Gayla (Mark Ellis); grandkids, Tyler (Hope), Chase (Abby), Justin (Rachel), Jayci, Zoe, Arin (Jim), Remi and great-grandkids: Charlie, Carter and Caleb, Rorie and Monty with 2 on the way; sisters, Gina, Marilyn (Bob) and May (John) and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother; stepfather, Gene Shipley; brothers, Frank and Ernie and sister, Geneva. He has now joined his son Chuck, who took the hand of his Savior and went home.

He was a loving, caring and giving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, always with a great sense of humor and a smile. Our loving God has blessed us all each and every day.

Services will be Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Thermopolis. Graveside service will follow at Riverside Cemetery with a meal provided by First Baptist Church after. Donations may be made out to HSC 4-H. In memory of John and his son Chuck, please designate Mead Memorial on memo of check. Send checks to PO Box 524 Worland, Wyoming 82401. Online condolences may be made at www.bryantfuneralhomeonline.com.