COL (Ret.) Warne David Mead

In loving memory of Colonel Warne David Mead, US Army, (Ret), age 89, passed away on November 8, 2023, at Carolina Inn in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

Colonel Mead was born on May 25, 1934, one of triplets, born to Otis and Emma Mead in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated from Franklin HS and was honored to be selected as a member of Boys’ State.  Warne and both brothers received their Eagle Scout Awards on the same day.  He briefly attended Iowa State College, where he was a member of the TKE fraternity, before receiving an appointment to West Point. He graduated from West Point in 1957, and served in the Infantry for over 23 years.  While an officer in the US Army, he commanded at both the battalion and brigade level. During his career he was awarded numerous medals including 2 Silver Stars and a Purple Heart. After his retirement from the military, Warne was an active member of the Fayetteville community. He particularly enjoyed participating in the Cape Fear Kiwanis Club.  For his contributions to the community, Warne was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest civilian award for the state of North Carolina. He was a faithful member of the Westminster Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder and was on many committees.

Warne was a beloved family member and friend. He cherished his time with family and later in life spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.  Warne found joy in being around people and had a talent for making others feel special.

Warne was predeceased by his parents; sister Miriam Hawley; brother in-law Bob Hawley; brother Dr. Walter Mead; and sister-in-law Margaret Mead. Warne is survived by wife, Anne Melvin Klinger Mead; brother Wayne Mead; son Warne David Mead Jr. (Melo); daughter Deborah Mead Heverly; step-son Matthew Klinger (Julie); step-son David Klinger (Rachel); sister-in-law Norma Rossi-Mead; and six grandchildren, Christin Raymer, Matthew Mead, Hope Heverly, Bethany Werner, Kenyon Heverly, and Wyatt Klinger; and his former wife Judy Johnson (Art).

Warne loved God, family, people, dogs (especially Emmy), and cookies (lots of cookies).

A memorial service to honor Warne’s life will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 2:00 (with reception and visitation to follow) at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 2505 Village Drive, Fayetteville, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Westminster Presbyterian Church, Tunnels to Towers or charity of one’s choice.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.