Dennis Gail Mead, son of Wayne and Velma (Davis) Mead, was born April 7, 1939. He passed away May 4, 2010 at Cox Medical Center South in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of 71 years and 27 days.

Dennis was born to a large family in the Oak Grove community of Texas County, surrounded by extended family and friends. He grew up helping on the farm and he enjoyed fishing. He had a big heart and was always quick with a joke and a smile. He especially loved entertaining children with funny and extravagant stories.

Dennis was united in marriage April 25, 1959 to Virginia Greenlee, and they had one son, Douglas Troy Mead. Later Dennis married Katricia Bond with whom he had another son, Dennis Jason Anthony Mead.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three nieces and three nephews.

He is survived by his longtime companion, Marilyn Shaw; his sons; two grandchildren, Chelsea Haynes and D.J. Mead; four brothers, Dean Mead, Lester Mead and Harold Mead, all of Mtn. Grove, Missouri, and Lonnie Mead of Strafford, Missouri; two sisters, Loretta Fox of Springfield and Cindy Curtis of Hartville, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; two uncles; one aunt; several cousins; and other extended family and friends.

Dennis worked in several different businesses. He spent most of his adult life in the Kansas City area. In 2000, Dennis moved to Mountain Grove, Missouri, to be near family and help care for his elderly mother. He will be greatly missed by many family and friends who always knew they were welcome to drop by at any time.

Memorials may be made to the Providence Cemetery fund through Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home, Cabool, Missouri.