Thomas L.R. Mead

Thomas entered the world at home in Grand Junction on B ½ Road, Orchard Mesa, the fourth child of five. Parents, Charles M. Mead and Ethel L. (Kelly) Mead. Siblings, Daniel, Martha, Charles and Gracie, all deceased.

He graduated from Central High School in 1953 where he had excelled in several sports. He played softball in GJ in the summer league, basketball in fall and winter. A special interest was him playing with a local team against the Harlem Globetrotters and the female team, All American Red Heads - never forgotten events.

Church was an important part of his life and there he met, dated and married Wanda Helton in June 1956. Dating and marriage made up their (super great) 72 years together. 

Thomas was drafted into military life (USAF) in March 1957, during a period of peace. He was very quickly moved to Special Forces to play baseball. He traveled and played all around the US with the team for his entire 4 years with additional duties in helicopter mechanics. Upon discharge he was offered the opportunity to join the Baltimore Orioles to begin a baseball career. After much thought and discussion with his wife, Wanda, he chose to return to his beloved western Colorado to a waiting position in transportation (trucking) where again he excelled in leadership position for 35 years.

Thomas had many interests; fishing, hunting, 4-wheeling, Goldwing riding, golfing, and weekly card games of Hand and Foot for over 25 years. He was a great gardener having planted numerous trees at each of their 30 homes (another joy). Thomas and Wanda worked tirelessly for several years to plan and lead all sorts of couple activities for First Assembly of God church, GJ, continuing on to Aurora First Assembly of God, Aurora CO, and then returning to Victory Life Church in Fruita, CO. He enjoyed this fellowship to the utmost as well as more recently, the coffee club (Old Geezer’s) on Monday mornings.

Thomas is survived by his wife, Wanda, and several family members here and across the country, whom he loved deeply. Their love for him was so appreciated and received with gratitude. He was also blessed with many, many valued friendships. His love of helping others shone brightly always. He will be missed Greatly!

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to VLC missions or Hopewest.

Celebration of life is scheduled for Wednesday October 23 @ 12 Noon. Victory Life Church Fruita, CO with Military services to follow at 3pm, Veterans Memorial Cemetery of Western Colorado.