Douglas Ray Mead

Doug was born in Mankato, MN on Dec 7th, 1956. He died from lung cancer on April 28th, 2016. His parents were Gordon R. and Dorothy E. Mead of St. Peter. Doug grew up in Kasota and St Peter and had very fond memories of those years. Doug left High School early to join the USMC and served proudly for three years. The Marine Corps Motto, Semper Fidelis means Always Faithful and describes one aspect of Doug perfectly. Doug lived in  Tucson, AZ for 17 yrs following his military service. While living in Tucson Doug began his long career in sheet metal fabrication. He moved to Austin, TX in 1994 and enjoyed living there the rest of his life. Doug had a passion for old cars, auto racing, 1970's era Rock and Roll and his cats. He spent hundreds of days attending Nascar and NHRA races and thousands of days tinkering on or driving older vehicles. At the time of his death he had essentially taken over complete control of the restoration of a 1950 Chevrolet owned by one of his brothers. The car is nearly identical to the car Doug had learned to drive in and he loved driving it around the Austin area. Doug's friends describe him as one of the nicest guys they ever met, a compliment that the would have been proud of. He was preceded in death by both of his parents and his beloved sister Phyllis Ann Mead of Tucson, AZ. He is survived by brothers Thom of Austin, TX and Gary of River Falls,WI and their families, as well as two nephews, a step nephew, four nieces, several grand nieces and nephews and many cousins. Doug asked that his remains be cremated and interred without a formal ceremony. He said that he'd like his friends and relatives to go do something fun and think of him rather than grieving. He was interred at Woodlawn Cemetery near St Peter, MN per his request. The family would like to express their thanks to his many friends for their support during his illness and afterward. We would also like to thank the staff of St Peter Funeral Home, Woodlawn Cemetery of St Peter and New Ulm Monument Company. The kind, respectful professionalism of the staffs was greatly appreciated. All arrangements were made long-distance but were seamless and friendly as though they knew Doug personally.