Howard Rubin Mead

Howard Rubin Mead, son of the late James and Hester Mead, was born April 30, 1936, in Pauls Valley, Okla., and departed this life Oct. 1, 2026, at his home in Grovespring at 90 years of age. Howard joined the United States Navy after school and faithfully served his country. Following his service, Howard had a variety of jobs throughout his career including construction, poultry plant, and as security guard at La Cygne Power Plant in Lacygne, Kan. In his retirement years, he worked through Experian Works, both for the City of Hartville and for the Hartville School District.  Howard was very talented and he was truly a jack of all trades. Howard was united in marriage to Bette Lynn Allen on Aug. 27, 1977, in McCune, Kan. After their marriage, they lived in Parsons, Kan., for a year and then moved to Crestline, Kan., for the next 16 years. Next, they moved to Sugar Valley Lake at Mound City, Kan., for about seven years and then bought a 40-acre farm near Blue Mound, Kan., and lived there for nearly four years. In 2005, Howard and Bette sold their farm and moved to Grovespring, where they resided for the rest of Howard’s life. Some of Howard’s hobbies included remodeling houses, cutting wood, and also watching old westerns. Howard was saved and baptized at a young age, and he was a member at Mt. Zion Cuba Free Will Baptist Church. 
Howard was preceded in death by his parents, James and Hester Mead; four brothers, David Mead, Bruce Mead, Jay Mead and Jerry Mead; two sisters, Ann McKnight and Shirley Chase, three nieces, Shelly Michaelfresh, Dee Dee Chapman and Tammy McKnight; and one nephew, Jerry Mead, Jr. He is survived by his loving wife, Bette (Allen) Mead, of their home in Grovespring; one son, Chris Mead, of Texas; three daughters, Taina Carnine, of Texas, Robin Mead, of Texas, and Lori Ziggareli, of Massachusetts; four grandchildren; special friends, who were like family, Todd and Cheryl Brown, Molly and Garrett Davault, Madeline Brown, and Millie Brown; and many nephews, nieces and friends who will miss him. Memorial services for Howard Mead will be Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Mt. Zion Cuba Church, Grovespring, with Jerry Ward and Daniel Allen officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Zion Cuba Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Hartville.