Ed Mead, an 81-year-old war veteran who lived in Brooksville, Florida and worked part-time as a safety officer at his retirement community, tragically lost his life in late September while on duty. The incident left his family devastated, and they are determined to seek justice on his behalf.
Ed had a long and dedicated history of service, having served in both the Army and the Army National Guard. He spent 35 years as a truck driver before he and his wife of 55 years relocated to Florida for retirement.
In Florida, he initially worked part-time delivering medication to hospice patients and later took on the role of a safety officer at the High Point Community, working two nights a week. During the day, he made catering deliveries for a local barbecue restaurant, helped neighbors with errands, golfed, gardened, and provided transportation to doctor's appointments and grocery runs.
He was a man who never slowed down, always on the go, helping those around him. Ed's middle daughter, Kimberly Mead Semcho, moved to Florida in 2022 to support her parents, ensuring that one of them was available to care for her mother, Barbara Mead, who faced health challenges.
On the evening of September 28, 2023, Ed kissed his wife and daughter goodbye as he began his evening shift from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the High Point Community. He was known for offering directions to community visitors and always greeted them with a smile and a wave.
At around 10:15 p.m. that night, a 911 call reported a medical emergency at the community's front gate. Kimberly, Ed's daughter, noticed commotion on social media and tried to contact her father but received no response.
She went outside and was met by sheriff's deputies who delivered the devastating news: her father had been fatally stabbed.
Police arrived to find Ed lying inside the guard shack. Through witness accounts and surveillance footage, they identified the suspect as 23-year-old Jeremy Jason Patterson. A massive search effort was initiated, leading to Patterson's arrest less than 24 hours after the murder.
Patterson was charged with second-degree murder and is being held without bond. The motive behind the crime remains unclear, adding to the tragedy of the situation.
Ed Mead was remembered with a community vigil attended by over 150 people. One woman shared that she had been with Ed in his final moments, providing solace to the family.
Ed's memorial service was standing room only, highlighting the impact he had on those around him. He was known for his kindness, generosity, and selflessness, always putting others before himself.
His daughter, Rebecca Mead Tipton, reflected on her father's absence: "In our biggest moments of struggles, he always told us we'd get through it. He would say, 'Hey, I'm here for you. I'm your rock.' Here we are in our biggest devastation of our lives, and we don't have that person to help us through it."
A GoFundMe has been set up to support the family during this difficult time.
The Mead family, characterized by their love and support for each other and their community, looks to the future with the belief that Ed continues to watch over them.
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