Raymond Arthur Mead

Raymond Arthur Mead age 79 of Hastings passed away, Friday, October 12, 2012.

He was born October 30, 1932 in Hastings, the son of Clement (Ted) Mead and Ida (Shellenbarger) Mead. Ray attended Striker school in the early years, then Freeport school until 8 ^th grade, continuing on to Hastings High School where he graduated in 1951. He honorably served in the Korean War from April 1952 until February 1954.

Ray worked at the E.W. Bliss for 33 years, retiring in 1987. He was diagnosed with diabetes at the early age of 25. His disability did not hinder him in the least from doing all the things that he loved. Ray was an avid fisherman, once owning a bait and tackle shop, with his son. He built three houses, a car lot, was a co-owner of the Cone Zone ice cream store, and had several rental houses as well. Ray was a member of the Hastings Moose Lodge, since 1971 and the American Legion since 1978. He served on the Hastings Township board for 13 years, serving 5 of those years as treasurer.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Ida Mead and brother, Paul Mead.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Martha Mead and his children: Tina (Steve) Bradford, Gordon (Teri) Mead, Brenda (Brett) Geurkink, grandchildren: Christy (Bradford) Franklin, Jeff Bradford, Carolyn Bradford Emily (Mead) Labbe and Jacob Mead; great-grandchildren: Cadence Bradford and Evan Labbe.

Memorial Contributions:
Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish
Good Samaritan Fund
4887 Coats Grove Rd.
Hastings, MI 49058

Visitation and Memorial Service:
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Woodgrove Brethren Christian Parish
4887 Coats Grove Rd.
Hastings, MI
Visitation: 10:30 am until 12:00 pm
Memorial Service: 12:00 pm
Rev. Randall Bertrand, officiating