Gary Meade

GARY MEADE

North Liberty

Gary Eugene Meade, 64, of North Liberty, found peace in his heart and calmness in his mind Friday, Jan. 2, 2015, in the loving presence of his family.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday Jan. 8, at 10:30 a.m. Services will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Cosgrove, with Father Edmond Dunn officiating. Burial will be at St. Peter's Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, Iowa City, where a parish vigil service will be held at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gary E. Meade Memorial Fund.

If you were to summarize the essence of Gary Eugene Meade in a few words:

Good Ol' Cowboy.

Some would say Gary was born 100 years too late. His good friend and mentor, Ruth, a Holocaust survivor, said he was born on the wrong planet. But in spite of this, and in spite of his lifelong battle with mental illness, Gary was still able to accomplish great and wonderful things in his life.

Gary Eugene Meade was born Dec. 10, 1950, in Iowa City, the son of Eugene Leo "Chick" and Patricia Ann South Meade, and grand-son to his beloved grand-parents, Elmer and Cecil South. Gary grew up on the homestead in Cosgrove, Iowa. Farming and ranching was the way of life then and it grew into a lifelong passion for Gary. He spent most of his early years helping his father and grandfather on their homesteads where he worked hard with intention and strong conviction.

He was an accomplished horseman and showman, earning many awards and recognitions in his early years. In 1973, Gary graduated from Iowa State University, with a degree in agricultural business. After graduating, he married Deborah Lynn Hoffert, the love of his life, in 1974, and settled on a farm in North Liberty, where they raised their four children.

Gary's astute nature and profound intelligence allotted him the agility to pursue many different areas of business. Gary was a successful farmer, horse enthusiast and businessman, but above all accomplishments, he strived to be the best son, brother, father, husband and friend he could be.

Those who truly knew Gary saw him as a soft hearted, kind, intelligent and generous man who enjoyed time with his children, telling jokes and talking with friends. His sense of humor and ability to deliver a joke brought laughter to those around him. He especially found joy in telling stories told to him by those who im-printed his life. Those such as Freddie Cochran who spoke with a raspy voice and would start off a story with, "Well you know honey..."

Helping others always fell heavy on Gary's heart. He always said if anyone is ever hurting, to help them, even if it's just a phone call. He took on the worry of the world. The most important message Gary taught his children was "family is the most important part of life, so always protect them."

Gary is survived by his four children, Molly Pedersen (Josh), Katherine "Katie" Sawin (Chris), Travis Meade (Staci) and Tanner Meade; grandchildren, Skylar Yeggy, Caleb and Avery Pedersen, Brynlee and Carter Sawin; two sisters, Camela Meade and Debra Erickson (Tom); two brothers, Dan Meade (Chris) and Justin Meade (Letty); and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents who he cherished, Leo and Catherine Maher Meade and Elmer and Cecil South.

Friends and family are encouraged to share condolences and memories of Gary at www.lensingfuneral.com.