Lewis Denver Meade, 81, of Xenia, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016, at Elmcroft of Xenia.
He was born Oct. 9, 1934, in Portsmouth, the son of William Alton and Lamina Martha Ross Meade.
He grew up in Portsmouth, where he graduated from high school and began his college career at The Ohio State University. In 1960, he received a bachelor’s degree in education from Rio Grande University and received his master’s degree in school administration and school guidance from Xavier University in 1972.
Lew received his local superintendent’s training, elementary principal’s certificate, guidance counselor’s certificate, Master’s +40, and an Ohio Local Superintendent’s certificate from Wright State University between 1972 and 1983.
He was a teacher and administrator for 38 years in the Circleville, Beavercreek, Xenia and Cedar Cliff school districts.
He was a lifelong member of Memorial United Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and elder, and was an active member in Lion’s Club.
Lew loved talking with people of all ages, flying, riding trains and spending time near the ocean. Lew had a deep love for his family and God. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Joan (Defenbaugh) Meade, whom he married March 30, 1961, in Tarlton; a daughter, Sarah R. Meade-Burkholder; nieces, Melora Lou Lucas and Julie McNeil; a nephew, J. Eric Rice; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Betsy Ann Meade, Phil and Edith Everett and family, Lois Jones and family, and Dalton and MaryAnne DeLong and family; and by many close friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Geneve Joyce Rice; and a brother, James Alton Meade.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 11, 2016, at Memorial United Presbyterian Church, Xenia, with Rev. Kelley W. Shin officiating. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Neeld Funeral Home, 1276 N. Detroit St., Xenia.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Memorial United Presbyterian Church, 393 W. Ankeney Mill Rd., Xenia, OH, 45385, in his memory.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.neeldfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared on The Pickaway News Journal
