Ronald Dean Mead

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ronald Dean Mead, age 82, who left us on February 11, 2025 at the Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Conneaut, Ohio, on February 28, 1942, Ron’s life was marked by a passion for learning, adventure, music, and service to others. After graduating from Ashtabula High School in 1960, he pursued higher education at Ohio University, where he earned a BA in Education in 1965 and his M.A. in Literature from American University in 1970. This academic foundation led him to a career as an educator in English, as well as Drama, Art History, and Film. One of Ron’s greatest joys was inspiring his students through the humanities and guiding them to be lifelong learners.

Ron began his teaching career at Circleville High School, and would continue to teach on the university level. For over 40 years he developed and delivered professional and corporate training and workshops on conflict resolution in Ohio, Washington DC, Virginia, Arizona, as well as abroad. A career highlight was his work for federal agencies at the Pentagon and The Panama Canal Training Center in Central America. His profound commitment to conflict resolution both on the governmental, corporate, and personal level is a testament to his passion for making a positive impact on how people communicate and find solutions in a peaceful and empathetic way.

Following his time in Washington, D.C., Ron returned to Ashtabula, where destiny brought him to First Baptist Church. There he met and fell in love with the choir director and soon to be loving wife, Jane. Their union was the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on mutual support, shared outdoor adventures, music, and Chrisitan faith.

Together, Ron and Jane moved to Tucson, Arizona, where they spent 18 years exploring the wonders of the west. For the past 12 years, they returned to Columbus, Ohio, where they found a strong faith community at Vineyard Church, where Ron was actively involved in the ministry of sunday school as well as marriage mentoring.

Beyond his professional and community contributions, Ron was an adventurer at heart. He loved hiking, his daily jogs, and ran the NYC and Tucson marathons. He loved to explore nature, as well as cities, and museums in a constant search for a deeper understanding of people and cultures from all walks of life. He was a voracious reader, always seeking knowledge. Ron was at his most comfortable on top of a mountain, with a pack on his back, and his beloved Jane by his side on the trail. Ron had a deep connection to music with a love for both classical and jazz that provided a constant soundtrack for his life.

Ron is survived by his loving wife of thirty years, Jane Mead (Jacobus); his step-son, Ted Chubb, and his wife, Rachel Ryll; his step-daughter, Melody Sommer (Chubb), her husband, Dustin Sommer, and their two sons, Avett and Rowen Sommer; his sister-in-law, Rosemary Mead; and his two nephews, Craig and Chistopher Mead.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ida May and Lynn Mead; his grandparents, Clark and Mary Smith and John and Stella Mead; and his brother Richard Mead.

There will be no calling hours. In lieu of traditional services, a Celebration of Life will be held on February 21st at the Vineyard Columbus - Sawmill Campus, located at 4140 Tuller Road, Dublin, Ohio. As Ron was a devoted music fan, please join us for a prelude musical celebration at 2:30pm with the Mari Lunde String Quartet. This will be directly followed by a celebration of life service at 3:00pm and conclude with a New Orleans jazz funeral procession with music provided by the James Gaiters Quartet.

In honoring Ron’s remarkable legacy, contributions may be made to causes close to his heart, such as “CRIS” Community, Refugee and Immigration Services of Ohio or Eyes Wide Open Ministries.

Ronald’s kindness, sense of humor, dedication to education and service, love for the arts, and ever-adventurous spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Ron — we will hold you with us always.