Larry J. Mead

Larry J. Mead, a beloved resident of Beal City, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare at the age of 85. Born on April 3, 1940, he was the second of six children to Donald and Elsie (Klumpp) Mead. Larry was welcomed into the family by his sister Virginia and later welcomed his younger siblings, Martha, Rosie, Donald, and Lorraine.

He spent his early years working on the family farm before taking a job at Rosebush Elevator at the age of 15. After graduating from high school, Larry married Carolyn J. Straus on November 5, 1960, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Beal City. He began his career at Carl's Furniture in Mt. Pleasant before being drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1969.

Upon returning from military service, Larry worked for Straus Brothers Builders and later with Straus Masonry. He was known for his love of gardening, often sharing the fruits of his labor with neighbors, and enjoyed fishing and refurbishing old cub cadet tractors. A dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus Council 3651, he was proud to serve as the grand knight of Beal City's Centennial Celebration. Larry was a long-time usher at St. Joseph the Worker parish and enjoyed playing Euchre at the Eagles Club. He was an avid Tigers fan and cherished his family, especially his great-granddaughter, Hayden.

Larry is survived by his children, Brian (Karen) Mead of Beal City and Brenda (Michele Durand) Mead of Findlay, OH; two grandchildren, Danielle Mead and Cory (fiancee Erin Sowmick) Mead; beloved great-granddaughter, Hayden; sister, Lorraine Payne of Coldwater; sister-in-law, Jacquie Mead of Hopkins; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Elsie; wife, Carolyn; and siblings, Virginia Sheldon, Martha O'Brien, Rosie Mead, and Donald Mead.

A Funeral Mass for Larry will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 5, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. Father Thomas J. McNamara will preside. Rite of Committal will be in St. Joseph Cemetery followed by a luncheon at the Beal City Knights of Columbus Hall. The family will receive friends in the gathering room of the church on Monday from 4-7 p.m. with a Rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation continues on Tuesday one hour before Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beal City Knights of Columbus or St. Joseph the Worker Church. Envelopes will be available at the church.

A special thanks to the entire staff of Pioneer Golden Estates in Clare for your love and dedication towards Larry's care.