Merle Myron Mead of Tullahoma passed from this life on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at his residence at the age of 90 years. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, he is the son of the late John Edward Mead and Clara Hope Held Mead. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by one daughter, Lydia Jean Mead, brothers, James F., Lewis Elver, Robert E., Richard A., Edward J. Jr., Paul G., Carl A, and Gerald D. and one sister, Rosemary Cocker.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Tullahoma. Burial followed at Riverview Memorial Garden in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The East Tennessee District Campground. Attn: Rev. Scott Ezell ETN District Treasurer P.O. Box 342 Gordonsville, TN 38563.

Mr. Mead was an ordained minister in the church of the Nazarene serving as Pastor for 43 years. The churches he served were Kingsport Calvary, Carthage, Winchester, Himesville and Decherd. He also served as District Secretary for 25 years and Administrative Assistant to the East Tennessee District Superintendent for 11 ½ years. Mr. Mead also served on several of the District Boards. He taught school for 7 years.

His survivors include his wife of 65 years, Barbara Ann Carter Mead of Tullahoma, Tennessee, son, Richard M. Mead (wife Kim) grandsons, Kevin D., and David R. (Emily), sister, Juanita Leary of Ben Salem, Pennsylvania, and several nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be made at www.davesculbertsonfuneral home.com

Daves-Culbertson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Tullahoma News – Jan. 11, 2026