Kenneth Leroy Mead was born to George and Ionia Mead on June 12, 1931 at March Field near Riverside, California. The Mead's settled in Palmdale, California, where they built a home for Kenny and his younger siblings, Glen and Sally. Kenny attended Antelope Valley Union High School, where he met JoAnne Parsons and later married her. They had two children, Doug and Sharlee.
Ken initially worked for Republic Aircraft at Edwards Air Force Base, but eventually joined his family's demolition business. Working together for over twenty years with his father, brother, and uncles, he wrecked many famous hotels, schools, and institutions to pave the way for growth and progress in the rapidly growing Southern California area. The family was instrumental in literally clearing the way for Los Angeles to totally restructure the historical Bunker Hill area to what it is today.
Ultimately, Ken and JoAnne divorced, and Ken's career in demolition eventually led him to start a small trucking business. It was through trucking he met and fell in love with Bonnie Estes, a friend of a friend. Ken soon married her and moved her young daughter, Kimberly, and her into his home in Riverside. Ken and Bonnie built their trucking business into a successful enterprise, making lifelong friends, and becoming an important part of the California trucking industry. Serving as Vice President of the California Dump Truck Owners Association, Ken was involved in creating key legislation affecting California's trucking laws.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation became Ken and Bonnie's favorite charity, and they were honored to devote their time, energy and resources to it for years. They were blessed to be able to make travel a priority, taking time to explore many of the States, tropical islands, and far-away destinations such as Australia and New Zealand. Ken also enjoyed boating on Lake Mohave, growing fruits and vegetables, and studying and collecting Civil War artifacts.
Over the years, Ken and Bonnie were blessed by the births of 12 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, with twins currently on the way. Nothing gave Ken more pleasure than being a part of his grandchildren's lives - whether it was teaching them old songs, re-vamping cars and boats, or fashioning Civil War muskets for them. He was a totally devoted Christian, husband, father, and grandfather. Sadly, Ken became ill years ago, and has valiantly fought COPD with Bonnie faithfully at his side every step of the way. Although he finally lost his battle with the illness on April 16, he rested in faith and the hope afforded by the resurrection of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Ken's passing leaves an empty place in the hearts of family and friends; but his faith assures they will meet again in joy and glory.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.2