Oma Rachel Cole1,2,3

F, b. April 8, 1881, d. January 22, 1951
FatherJoseph Byrd Cole1,3 b. June 11, 1856, d. November 25, 1935
MotherMartha C. Williams1,3 b. circa 1862
     Oma Rachel Cole was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.4,3 She was born on April 8, 1881 at Tennessee.1,3,4 As of 1901,her married name was Meads.2 She married Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads in 1901 at Grayson Co., Texas.2 Oma Rachel Cole died on January 22, 1951 at Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas, at age 69.3,4

Census Records

1900Dwelling 424, District 129, Township 9, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory1
1910Dwelling 12, District 279, Ward 17, St. Louis, Missouri5
1930Dwelling 241, District 21, Precinct 5, Hopkins Co., Texas6
1940Dwelling 124, District 112-19, Sulphur Bluff, Hopkins Co., Texas7

Family

Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads b. November 16, 1886, d. March 3, 1937
Marriage*Oma Rachel Cole married Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads in 1901 at Grayson Co., Texas.2 
Children

Citations

  1. [S132] National Archives and Records Administration, 1900 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S5312] Unknown compiler, Texas, Select County Marriage Index, 1837-2015.
  3. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.
  4. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  5. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S1168] Dallas Morning News, From the Joseph Loyd Mead obituary in the Jun 13, 2003 edition.

Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole1,2,3,4

F, b. May 22, 1885, d. January 28, 1952
FatherJoseph Byrd Cole1,2 b. June 11, 1856, d. November 25, 1935
MotherMartha C. Williams1,2 b. circa 1862
     Her Social Security Number was 555-12-0411.2 Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole was buried at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord, Contra Costa Co., California.5 She was born on May 22, 1885 at Tennessee.2,3,5 As of July 2, 1905,her married name was Griffin.4 She married Henry Millard Griffin on July 2, 1905 at Carter Co., Oklahoma.4 Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole died on January 28, 1952 at Contra Costa Co., California, at age 66.3,5

Census Records

1900Dwelling 424, District 129, Township 9, Chickasaw Nation, Indian Territory1
1910Dwelling 166, District 125, Harris, Johnston Co., Oklahoma6
1920Dwelling 123, District 1, Ash Flat, Coal Co., Oklahoma7
1930Dwelling 55, District 2, Francis, Harmon Co., Oklahoma8
1940Dwelling 568, District 7-22, Township 5, Contra Costa Co., California9

Family

Henry Millard Griffin b. August 18, 1884, d. November 29, 1958
Marriage*Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole married Henry Millard Griffin on July 2, 1905 at Carter Co., Oklahoma.4 
Children

Citations

  1. [S132] National Archives and Records Administration, 1900 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S5223] Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  3. [S451] Center for Health Statistics Department of Health Services, California Death Index, 1940-1997.
  4. [S5972] Unknown compiler, Oklahoma, County Marriages, 1890-1995.
  5. [S4643] Memory Gardens Cemetery, Contra Costa Co., CA, online http://www.findagrave.com
  6. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S119] National Archives and Records Administration, 1920 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  9. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  10. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.

Henry Millard Griffin1,2,3,4,5

M, b. August 18, 1884, d. November 29, 1958
     Henry Millard Griffin was buried at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 2011 Arnold Industrial Way, Concord, Contra Costa Co., California.2 His Social Security Number was 555-12-0410.6 He was born on August 18, 1884 at Dallas Co., Texas; His WWI Draft Registration card has a birth year of 1882 and his WWII card has 1879.2,6,3,4 He married Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole, daughter of Joseph Byrd Cole and Martha C. Williams, on July 2, 1905 at Carter Co., Oklahoma.1 Henry Millard Griffin died on November 29, 1958 at Contra Costa Co., California, at age 74.2,3

Census Records

1910Dwelling 166, District 125, Harris, Johnston Co., Oklahoma7
1920Dwelling 123, District 1, Ash Flat, Coal Co., Oklahoma8
1930Dwelling 55, District 2, Francis, Harmon Co., Oklahoma9
1940Dwelling 568, District 7-22, Township 5, Contra Costa Co., California10

Occupation

1910Farmer7
1920Farmer8
1930Farmer9
1940Gardner10

Family

Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole b. May 22, 1885, d. January 28, 1952
Marriage*Henry Millard Griffin married Josephine Emerly "Josie" Cole, daughter of Joseph Byrd Cole and Martha C. Williams, on July 2, 1905 at Carter Co., Oklahoma.1 
Children

Citations

  1. [S5972] Unknown compiler, Oklahoma, County Marriages, 1890-1995.
  2. [S4643] Memory Gardens Cemetery, Contra Costa Co., CA, online http://www.findagrave.com
  3. [S451] Center for Health Statistics Department of Health Services, California Death Index, 1940-1997.
  4. [S533] National Archives and Records Administration, World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-18.
  5. [S1253] Selective Service System United States, U.S. World War II Draft Registration Cards, 1942.
  6. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  7. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  8. [S119] National Archives and Records Administration, 1920 United States Federal Census.
  9. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  10. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  11. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.

Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads1,2,3

M, b. November 16, 1886, d. March 3, 1937
     Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.2,3 He was born on November 16, 1886 at St. Louis, Missouri; His death certificate has a birth date of Feb 19, 1868.2,3 He married Oma Rachel Cole, daughter of Joseph Byrd Cole and Martha C. Williams, in 1901 at Grayson Co., Texas.1 Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads died on March 3, 1937 at Dallas, Dallas Co., Texas, at age 50.2,3

Census Records

1910Dwelling 12, District 279, Ward 17, St. Louis, Missouri4
1930Dwelling 241, District 21, Precinct 5, Hopkins Co., Texas5

Occupation

1910Doctor4
1930Physician5

Family

Oma Rachel Cole b. April 8, 1881, d. January 22, 1951
Marriage*Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads married Oma Rachel Cole, daughter of Joseph Byrd Cole and Martha C. Williams, in 1901 at Grayson Co., Texas.1 
Children

Citations

  1. [S5312] Unknown compiler, Texas, Select County Marriage Index, 1837-2015.
  2. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  3. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.
  4. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S1168] Dallas Morning News, From the Joseph Loyd Mead obituary in the Jun 13, 2003 edition.

Joseph Loyd Mead1,2,3

M, b. March 3, 1908, d. June 11, 2003
FatherDr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads2,4,3 b. November 16, 1886, d. March 3, 1937
MotherOma Rachel Cole2,4,3 b. April 8, 1881, d. January 22, 1951
     Joseph Loyd Mead was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.1,3 His Social Security Number was 254-34-5455.5 He married Lois Bauman.1,3 Joseph Loyd Mead was born on March 3, 1908 at Oklahoma; The SSDI has a birth date of Mar 4, 1908.1,5,3 He died on June 11, 2003 at Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas, at age 95.1,5,3 He Funeral services for Joseph Loyd Mead, age 95 of Sulphur Springs and a former longtime Dallas resident, will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday; June 14 in West Oaks Funeral Chapel with Rev. Chris Childers officiating. Interment will be in the Sulphur Springs City Cemetery with Masonic and Military graveside services. Visitation will be from 6-7 Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be members of the Hopkins County Veteran's Coalition. Mr. Mead died Wednesday, June 11, in Hopkins County Memorial Hospital, Sulphur Springs, Texas. He was born in Oklahoma on March 3, 1908. The son of Dr. and Mrs. Ezra Mead. Early in life he moved to Sulphur Bluff with his family, where they made their home for many years. He married Lois Bauman. She preceded him in death in 1995. Mr. Mead was a longtime member of Cochran Chapel United Methodist Church, Dallas, Texas. Mr. Mead retired in 1987 from the Veterans Administration as a loan guaranty officer. He had been employed with the Veterans Administration for 35 years. He returned to Sulphur Springs in 1997. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He served with the U.S. Army Air Corp during World War II. He was a 70 year member of Sulphur Bluff Masonic Lodge # 246 AF & AM. Survivors: Son & wife: Larry and Donna Mead of Sulphur Springs, Texas. Three grandchildren: Donna Parks, Larry Mead, Jr and Nick Mead. 6 great grandchildren. Mr. Mead was preceded in death by two brothers Earl & Clyde Mead. on June 13, 2003.3

Census Records

1910Dwelling 12, District 279, Ward 17, St. Louis, Missouri2
1930Dwelling 241, District 21, Precinct 5, Hopkins Co., Texas4
1940Dwelling 150, District 80-4, Hogansfort, Franklin Co., Texas6

Occupation

1940Teacher6

Family

Lois Bauman b. March 4, 1912, d. July 10, 1995
Marriage*Joseph Loyd Mead married Lois Bauman.1,3 
Children

Citations

  1. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  2. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S1168] Dallas Morning News, From the Joseph Loyd Mead obituary in the Jun 13, 2003 edition.
  4. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  6. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S4349] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Birth Certificates, 1903-1932.
  8. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.
  9. [S964] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997.

Lois Bauman1,2,3

F, b. March 4, 1912, d. July 10, 1995
     Lois Bauman was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.1 Her Social Security Number was 252-36-3534.2 Her married name was Mead.1 She married Joseph Loyd Mead, son of Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads and Oma Rachel Cole.1,3 Lois Bauman was born on March 4, 1912 at Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.1,2 She died on July 10, 1995 at Texas at age 83.1,2

Census Records

1940Dwelling 150, District 80-4, Hogansfort, Franklin Co., Texas4

Occupation

1940Teacher4

Family

Joseph Loyd Mead b. March 3, 1908, d. June 11, 2003
Marriage*Lois Bauman married Joseph Loyd Mead, son of Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads and Oma Rachel Cole.1,3 
Children

Citations

  1. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  2. [S5223] Social Security Administration, U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
  3. [S1168] Dallas Morning News, From the Joseph Loyd Mead obituary in the Jun 13, 2003 edition.
  4. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S4349] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Birth Certificates, 1903-1932.
  6. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.
  7. [S964] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997.

Earl Wesley Mead1,2,3

M, b. April 7, 1901, d. June 9, 1986
FatherDr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads1,4 b. November 16, 1886, d. March 3, 1937
MotherOma Rachel Cole1,4 b. April 8, 1881, d. January 22, 1951
     His Social Security Number was 458-16-9403.5 Earl Wesley Mead was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.2 He was born on April 7, 1901 at Kemp, Bryan Co., Oklahoma Territory.5,2,3 He married Elizabeth Jane Spearing circa 1925.2,6,7,8 Earl Wesley Mead died on June 9, 1986 at Hopkins Co., Texas, at age 85.5,9,2

Census Records

1910Dwelling 12, District 279, Ward 17, St. Louis, Missouri1
1930Dwelling 14, District 2256, Leyden, Cook Co., Illinois6
1940Dwelling 91, District 2256, Sulphur Bluff, Hopkins Co., Texas10

Occupation

1930Grocer6
1940Druggist10

Family

Elizabeth Jane Spearing b. September 2, 1906, d. January 29, 1996
Marriage*Earl Wesley Mead married Elizabeth Jane Spearing circa 1925.2,6,7,8 
Children

Citations

  1. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  3. [S3706] 1926–1975, RG 147. The National Archives at Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia Records of the Selective Service System, U.S. WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947.
  4. [S1168] Dallas Morning News, From the Joseph Loyd Mead obituary in the Jun 13, 2003 edition.
  5. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  6. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  7. [S137] Unidentified Newspaper Article or Funeral Home Information, From the Wesley Earl Mead obituary.
  8. [S7702] Texarkana Funeral Homes, online www.texarkanafuneralhome.com/, From the William James Meads obituary.
  9. [S585] Texas Department of Health. State Vital Statistics Unit, Texas Death Index, 1903-2000.
  10. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.

Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead1,2

M, b. January 30, 1903, d. April 7, 1986
FatherDr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads1,3 b. November 16, 1886, d. March 3, 1937
MotherOma Rachel Cole1,3 b. April 8, 1881, d. January 22, 1951
     His Social Security Number was 466-22-4919.4 Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.2 He was born on January 30, 1903 at Oklahoma Territory; The SSDI has a birth date of Jan 31, 1903.1,2,4 He married Stella Jane Martin circa 1927.2,5 Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead died on April 7, 1986 at Hopkins Co., Texas, at age 83.2,6

Census Records

1910Dwelling 12, District 279, Ward 17, St. Louis, Missouri1
1930Dwelling 145, District 29, Precinct 8, Hopkins Co., Texas5
1940Dwelling 110, District 112-27, Purless, Hopkins Co., Texas7

Occupation

1930Farmer5
1940General store propriator7

Family

Stella Jane Martin b. August 24, 1905, d. March 6, 1998
Marriage*Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead married Stella Jane Martin circa 1927.2,5 
Child
  • Oma Jean Mead5,7

Citations

  1. [S205] National Archives and Records Administration, 1910 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  3. [S1168] Dallas Morning News, From the Joseph Loyd Mead obituary in the Jun 13, 2003 edition.
  4. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.
  5. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  6. [S585] Texas Department of Health. State Vital Statistics Unit, Texas Death Index, 1903-2000.
  7. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.

Elizabeth Jane Spearing1,2

F, b. September 2, 1906, d. January 29, 1996
     Elizabeth Jane Spearing was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.3 She was born on September 2, 1906 at Illinois.3 As of circa 1925,her married name was Mead.4 She married Earl Wesley Mead, son of Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads and Oma Rachel Cole, circa 1925.3,4,1,2 Elizabeth Jane Spearing died on January 29, 1996 at Texas at age 89.3

Census Records

1930Dwelling 14, District 2256, Leyden, Cook Co., Illinois4
1940Dwelling 91, District 2256, Sulphur Bluff, Hopkins Co., Texas5

Family

Earl Wesley Mead b. April 7, 1901, d. June 9, 1986
Marriage*Elizabeth Jane Spearing married Earl Wesley Mead, son of Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads and Oma Rachel Cole, circa 1925.3,4,1,2 
Children

Citations

  1. [S137] Unidentified Newspaper Article or Funeral Home Information, From the Wesley Earl Mead obituary.
  2. [S7702] Texarkana Funeral Homes, online www.texarkanafuneralhome.com/, From the William James Meads obituary.
  3. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  4. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  5. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.

Stella Jane Martin1

F, b. August 24, 1905, d. March 6, 1998
     Stella Jane Martin was buried at Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.1 She was born on August 24, 1905 at Texas.1 As of circa 1927,her married name was Mead.2 She married Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead, son of Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads and Oma Rachel Cole, circa 1927.1,2 Stella Jane Martin died on March 6, 1998 at Hopkins Co., Texas, at age 92.1

Census Records

1930Dwelling 145, District 29, Precinct 8, Hopkins Co., Texas2
1940Dwelling 110, District 112-27, Purless, Hopkins Co., Texas3

Family

Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead b. January 30, 1903, d. April 7, 1986
Marriage*Stella Jane Martin married Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead, son of Dr. Ezra Lorenzo Meads and Oma Rachel Cole, circa 1927.1,2 
Child
  • Oma Jean Mead2,3

Citations

  1. [S7701] Sulphur Springs City Cemetery, Hopkins Co., TX, online www.findagrave.com/.
  2. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.

Wesley Earl Mead1,2,3

M, b. September 22, 1926, d. May 3, 2014
FatherEarl Wesley Mead1,2,3 b. April 7, 1901, d. June 9, 1986
MotherElizabeth Jane Spearing1,2,3 b. September 2, 1906, d. January 29, 1996
     Wesley Earl Mead Wesley Earl Mead, 87, of Richardson, TX, passed away peacefully May 3, 2014. Wesley was born September 22, 1926, in Oak Park, IL to the late Earl and Elizabeth (Spearing) Mead. Wesley was a graduate of Sulphur Bluff High School. He attended college at East Texas State University and received a BS in Mathematics, and later received his Masters in Education from East Texas State University. During World War II he served as a Navy Pharmacist Mate with the Marine Corps. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and remained in the Naval Reserves following his release from active duty and eventually retired in 1986 as a Master Chief Hospital Corpsman. After receiving his BS degree, he taught math and algebra at Bremond High School and Sunset High School. Wesley was a professor of mathematics at Arlington State College, and retired from the University of Texas at Arlington as an Associate Dean of Student Administration, and a member of the 25 Year Club. Following his retirement from the education field, Wesley worked for the U. S. Postal Service while operating his small ranch where he raised horses and cattle near Rendon TX. Wesley fully retired in 1995, and moved to Richardson, TX to be near his children and grandchildren. Wesley is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty L., sons Thomas E. of Sachse, Michael A. of Plano, and daughter Suzanne M. Thomas of Mansfield, 3 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and 2 great grandsons; brothers William J. Meads (sic) of New Boston, TX, Gerald R. Mead of Burke, VA, and Paul C. Mead of Waxahachie, TX. Wesley is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Richardson, TX, and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 600 S. Jupiter, Richardson, TX.3 He was born on September 22, 1926 at Oak Park, Cook Co., Illinois.3 He married Betty Lois Bartula circa 1952.3 Wesley Earl Mead died on May 3, 2014 at Richardson, Texas, at age 87.3

Census Records

1930Dwelling 14, District 2256, Leyden, Cook Co., Illinois1
1940Dwelling 91, District 2256, Sulphur Bluff, Hopkins Co., Texas2

Family

Betty Lois Bartula
Marriage*Wesley Earl Mead married Betty Lois Bartula circa 1952.3 
Children
  • Thomas Earl Mead3,4
  • Michael Alan Mead3,4
  • Suzanne Marie Mead3,4

Citations

  1. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S137] Unidentified Newspaper Article or Funeral Home Information, From the Wesley Earl Mead obituary.
  4. [S964] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997.

William James Meads1,2,3,4

M, b. September 30, 1927, d. January 7, 2018
FatherEarl Wesley Mead1,2,3,4 b. April 7, 1901, d. June 9, 1986
MotherElizabeth Jane Spearing1,2,3,4 b. September 2, 1906, d. January 29, 1996
     William James Meads William James Meads - William J. Meads, of New Boston, Texas, passed away at Cornerstone Retirement Center, on Sunday January 7, 2018. Mr. Meads was born September 30. 1927, in Oak Park, Illinois, to Earl Wesley Meads and Elizabeth Spearing Meads. He was baptized and raised in the Catholic faith for which he was a faithful lay leader, for many years, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in New Boston. In 1933, his father moved the family to Sulphur Bluff, Texas, and William graduated from Sulphur Bluff High School. He enrolled at East Texas State Teachers College, at age 16, but interrupted his education to volunteer for the U.S. Navy, in 1945. He served until 1947, and was honorably discharged. He was recalled to active duty in the Korean War, then honorably discharged from the US Navy Reserves, April 1953. Mr. Meads entered the U.S. Army Reserves, May 1955, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant. In Sept. 1957, he was promoted to First Lieutenant. In September 1961, he was promoted to Captain. He retired from the U.S. Army, completing a combined 20 years in military service. Patriotism and service to others, remained a priority to him throughout his lifetime. Luke 12:48 states: ‘ From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. This was his personal philosophy. While completing his undergraduate degree at East Texas State Teachers College, he met Elthie Cade of Yantis, Texas. They were married, January, 1952. Their first home was in Dallas, Texas, where Mr. Meads was employed with Braniff Airlines, at Love Field. Their children, Alethia and Byron, were born during this time. William Meads moved the family to Wichita Falls, Texas, in 1955, while employed at Shepherd Air Force Base. Utilizing the GI Bill for education, he completed his MBA degree, by commuting to East Texas State University every weekend, from Wichita Falls, in 1957. In 1958, upon learning of opportunities at Red River Army Depot, the Meads’ family moved to New Boston, Texas. William was employed as a systems’ analyst civil servant for the Department of Defense. The Meads family grew, adding Timothy, Rebecca and Anthony, from 1960-1968. In 1969, Red Stone Arsenal recruited William, and the family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. Following a brief transfer to Montana, the Meads happily returned to Bowie County, and built their permanent home. William participated as assistant Boy Scout leader for Troop 36, as his sons achieved their Eagle Awards. Numerous Camp Pioneer trips were enjoyed by father and sons. He was proudly a member of the Caddo Council’s Old Timers’ of Camp Pioneer. Mr. Meads served on the New Boston City Council for a number of years, and, was a member of the Lions’ Club. After retiring from Red River Arsenal, William was hired as a math and DECA teacher at New Boston High School. He served the school district for 10 years, before retiring. Within the family, Daddy Bill was infamous for his love of Patriotic music, marching, and Army Surplus supplies. His storage room has always been a haven of treasures for the children. Bill and Elthie had happy years, traveling and visiting their children’s families. This January marks 66 years of marriage for them. William J. Meads is survived by his devoted and loving wife, Elthie, and children: Alethia Meads White of Texarkana, and Byron (Nita) Meads, Timothy (Rhona) Meads, Rebecca Meads, and Anthony (Shanna) Meads, all of Tyler, Texas. Grandchildren include: Justin (Kelli) White of Texarkana, Chris (Blaire) White of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Jordan (Amy ) Meads, of Tyler, Anna Beth White (Colin) Gorman, of Little Rock, Sarah (Caleb) Bunn of Huntington, Texas, Andrew (Jenna) Meads of Tyler, Caroline Meads (Trent) Brookshire, of Tyler, Hannah Meads (Carter) Kendall of Plano, Texas, Kelby Schuermann, Nicholas Meads, Laura Meads, both of Waco, Texas, Alexandra, Emma, Eva, William, Amelia, Edel, and Phoebe Meads all of Tyler. Additionally, 19 great grandchildren have blessed the William Meads’ family. In addition to his immediate family, he is also survived by brothers Paul Mead, of Midlothian, Texas, and Gerald (Marge) Mead, of Virginia, and sister in law, Betty Mead, of Richardson, Texas. Cade surviving sisters and brothers in law include Lavinia (Jim) Atchley, of Holly Lake Ranch, Texas, and Maurine (Don) Shaw, of Southlake, Texas. Numerous nieces and nephews cherish his memory. In lieu of flowers, the extended family suggests charitable donations in honor of William J. Meads to any of the following: Caddo Council of The Boy Scouts of America, #24 Lynwood Drive, Texarkana, Texas, 75503, Tyler Texas Catholic School Foundation, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, of New Boston, or Cornerstone Retirement Community, of Texarkana. The family invites family and friends to share these services of celebration: Rosary will be recited Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, 4:30 PM, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in New Boston, followed by visitation from 5:30-7:00 PM at Bates Rolf Funeral Home, Hwy 8, New Boston. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, January 9, 2018, at 10:00 AM, St. Ann’s Catholic Church, in Winnsboro, Texas. Graveside burial services will follow at the Rock Hill Cemetery, Quitman, Texas, on Highway 515, west of Winnsboro, Texas, under the direction of Bates Rolf Funeral Home.4 He was buried at Rock Hill Cemetery, Yantis, Wood Co., Texas.4 He was born on September 30, 1927 at Oak Park, Cook Co., Illinois.4 He married Elthie Nazell Cade in January, 1952.4 William James Meads died on January 7, 2018 at Texarkana, Bowie Co., Texas, at age 90.4

Census Records

1930Dwelling 14, District 2256, Leyden, Cook Co., Illinois1
1940Dwelling 91, District 2256, Sulphur Bluff, Hopkins Co., Texas2

Family

Elthie Nazell Cade b. September 30, 1927
Marriage*William James Meads married Elthie Nazell Cade in January, 1952.4 
Children
  • Alethia Rose Meads4,5
  • Byron Alexander Meads4,5
  • Timothy C. Meads4
  • Rebecca Kay Meads4,5
  • Anthony John Meads4,5

Citations

  1. [S118] National Archives and Records Administration, 1930 United States Federal Census.
  2. [S3353] National Archives and Records Administration, 1940 United States Federal Census.
  3. [S137] Unidentified Newspaper Article or Funeral Home Information, From the Wesley Earl Mead obituary.
  4. [S7702] Texarkana Funeral Homes, online www.texarkanafuneralhome.com/, From the William James Meads obituary.
  5. [S964] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997.

Elton Arnold Morris1,2,3

M, b. June 27, 1918, d. May 6, 1973
     His Social Security Number was 451-50-6828.4 Elton Arnold Morris was buried at Restlawn Memorial Park, Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas.3 He was born on June 27, 1918 at Franklin Co., Texas.3,4 He married Oma Jean Mead, daughter of Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead and Stella Jane Martin, on September 22, 1946 at Hopkins Co., Texas.1 Elton Arnold Morris died on May 6, 1973 at Sulphur Springs, Hopkins Co., Texas, at age 54.3

Family

Oma Jean Mead
Marriage*He married Oma Jean Mead, daughter of Clyde Sam "Speedy" Mead and Stella Jane Martin, on September 22, 1946 at Hopkins Co., Texas.1 
Child
  • Marilyn Jane Morris2

Citations

  1. [S5312] Unknown compiler, Texas, Select County Marriage Index, 1837-2015.
  2. [S964] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997.
  3. [S3952] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Death Certificates, 1903–1982.
  4. [S9] Unknown subject, unknown file number, SSDI, U.S. Social Security Administrations Death Master File.

Elthie Nazell Cade1,2

F, b. September 30, 1927
     Elthie Nazell Cade was born on September 30, 1927 at Yantis, Wood Co., Texas.2 As of January, 1952,her married name was Meads.1 She married William James Meads, son of Earl Wesley Mead and Elizabeth Jane Spearing, in January, 1952.1

Family

William James Meads b. September 30, 1927, d. January 7, 2018
Marriage*Elthie Nazell Cade married William James Meads, son of Earl Wesley Mead and Elizabeth Jane Spearing, in January, 1952.1 
Children
  • Alethia Rose Meads1,3
  • Byron Alexander Meads1,3
  • Timothy C. Meads1
  • Rebecca Kay Meads1,3
  • Anthony John Meads1,3

Citations

  1. [S7702] Texarkana Funeral Homes, online www.texarkanafuneralhome.com/, From the William James Meads obituary.
  2. [S4349] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas, Birth Certificates, 1903-1932.
  3. [S964] Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas Birth Index, 1903-1997.