William Leroy Mead Jr. (Bill) passed away on May 29th, 2026 at the age of 89. Bill was a beloved husband, father and grandfather.

Born in St. Joseph, MO on October 14, 1936, to William Leroy and Laura Price Mead, he graduated from Lafayette High School in 1954 and went on to the University of Missouri where he graduated in 1958 with a degree in Accounting.  Bill was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. Bill also served two years active duty in the Navy stationed in San Diego, CA and spent seven years in the Naval Reserve.

He met his future wife, Marian at the age of 16 and they married in 1960 and remained together for 66 years.

Bill came home from the Navy in 1960 to work with his father at Hansen Mead Motor Company until 1972.  He had purchased ownership in the Yellow Cab Company years earlier and took the role of President where he finished his career in 1998.  Cars were in his DNA.  He drove over a million miles during his time at Hasen Mead Motor Company and Yellow Cab Company and into retirement.

He was a member of Brotherhood Lodge, Scottish Rite and Moila Shrine Temple as part of the Ambassadors unit.  He drove convertibles in many parades in St. Joseph, Northwest MO and Northeast KS.  The annual Apple Blossom Parade was one he never missed. Bill was also a member of the St. Joseph Sertoma Club and St. Joseph, MO Chamber of Commerce. Bill was a charter member of the St Joseph Youth Hockey Association and the St. Joseph, MO Figure Skating Club.  He spent many hours watching his son play hockey and his daughter figure skate.

Bill and his family loved to boat from the time he was a small boy until adulthood.  He spent many weekends on the Missouri River as a life long member of the St. Joseph, MO Boat and Yacht Club.  Many vacations were spent with his family and close friend on lakes around the country to boat and camp.

After he retired, he spent his time with his friends, kids, grandkids and Marian.  They were rarely apart.  He was a dog lover and enjoyed taking care of Abby, Lea Ann's dog, when she was at work.  He had many interests including golfing, nascar and music.

Bill is lovingly remembered by his wife Marian, his sister Sue Duke (David), children Lea Ann Peetz (Lonnie), Douglas Mead (Barbara) and his grandchildren Alex and Lauren. His children and grandchildren gave him so much joy and he was proud of them every day. He is also survived by 4 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private graveside service for family and close friends.  Family will receive all friends and visitors Friday June 12th at St. Paul United Methodist Church 5:00pm-7:00pm, meal provided.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Francis Street First United Methodist Church, St. Paul United Methodist or Mosaic Life Care Hospice.