Jefferis Michael Mead

Jefferis “Jeff” Michael Mead was born at Spearville, KS on July 5, 1930 to Vernon Devere Mead and June Darlington (Jefferis) Mead. He passed away on Nov 2, 2024 at Medical Lodge in Kinsley, KS. Jeff was raised on a the family farm south of Centerview, KS by his maternal grandparents, Lawrence and Eva Jefferis. Jeff always had a story to tell about his “growing up” years with his grandparents (which he was extremely grateful for), his “dirty 30s” experiences, and becoming of age while WWII was raging in Europe and the Pacific.

Jeff attended the Centerview school until the 11th grade when the school closed. Jeff then transferred to Lewis High School and as a senior actually drove the school bus the 8 miles to Lewis. He graduated from Lewis in 1948. After high school he attended one year at Pratt Junior College and then enlisted in the US Air Force. Jeff proudly served his country and instilled the same patriotic love and pride to his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Jeff’s 4 year hitch in the Air Force was cut short due to his grandfather needing help with the farm. During this time Jeff met and married Zelma Elaine Wheaton. They were married on November 8, 1953, at the First Baptist Church in Hutchinson KS. Jeff and Zelma had two children and raised them on the same family farm Jeff was raised on. Jeff loved his family and the farming life but he also loved anything with an engine including farm machinery, cars, and motorcycles. One of his passions was refurbishing old tractors, driving them in parades, which led him to becoming a member of the Tired Iron Club in Kinsley, KS. Jeff will always be remembered for his belief in God, the value of helping out a neighbor, his wonderful tenor singing voice, and his commitment to his family and community.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Zelma, a son Lynn Mead and wife Julie, a daughter Jan Murfield and husband Jay, grandchildren Nicole Ploger and husband Blake, Dustin Mead, Tyler Dykhouse, and Faith O’Connor and husband Taylor. Jeff also has 4 great grandchildren: Jaxon Ploger, Jemma Ploger, Brooks O’Connor, and Julia O’Connor.

Jeff was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Lewis, Lewis Masonic Lodge #220, Scottish Rite, Midian Shriners, South Brown Township Board, and Trotter Cemetery Board.

Memorials to be made to the Masonic Lodge #220 of Lewis, in care of McKillip Memorial Funeral Home, Kinsley.