Phillip L. Meade

Reverend Phillip L. Meade, 73, met his beloved Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021, after complications from diabetes and heart disease. He passed away peacefully with his wife by his side at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN.

Pastor Meade, as he was lovingly known to the thousands who sat under his ministry over the years, was born on October 17, 1948 in McLeansboro, Illinois to Charles P. and Lucille Meade. He was raised deep in the farmlands of southern Illinois along with his older brothers Gary and Charlie and younger sister Rebecca. Eventually the family made their way to Indiana and Phil made his way into a certain young lady’s heart named Sandra Grigsby. Well, maybe it was the perfectly thrown snowball that made its way to the back of her head, but either way, Phil definitely made an impression! They were married on July 30, 1966, and had been married for 55 “wonnnderfullll years”, as Pastor Meade liked to announce with a very special and loud emphasis on the word wonderful.

Pastor Meade faithfully served in ministry for over 50 years. Early in their marriage, he and Sandra moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, where he served as youth pastor at Grace Temple for 4 years. After their time in Texas, they moved back to Indiana, settling in Greenfield. Pastor Meade joined the staff at Calvary Temple of Indianapolis, serving as Associate Pastor/Family Life Pastor for over 35 years. He also provided marriage and premarital counseling to hundreds of couples over many years. He and Sandra traveled the world sharing the gospel of Christ to Venezuela, Malawi, Costa Rica and China. Pastor Meade was honored to have been the keynote speaker at the General Council for the countries of Romania and America Samoa. He served on the board of Indianapolis Teen Challenge and was the Section 8 Executive Presbyter of the Assemblies of God. He was not only known as Pastor to many, but as a counselor, friend, Dad, and Papa to many others who counted Phil among family. We were honored to have shared him with so many others who loved him as we did.

Phil is survived by his loving wife of over 55 years, Sandra Kay Grigsby Meade, sons Phillip L. (Kelly) Meade II, Reverend Perry T. (Melissa) Meade, daughter Sarah K. (Lt. Col. Chad) Tice, grandchildren Morgan Meade, Victoria (Jackson) Schwier, Chloe Meade, Valyn Tice and Levi Tice, and a new great-granddaughter, Andi Kay Schwier. He is also survived by his brother, Gary (Karen) Meade, and sister Rebecca (Steven) Rehfuss, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles P. Meade and Lucille Meade, and brother Charles L. Meade.

Visitation will be on Friday, December 3, 2021 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Church 52, 8220  Brookville Road Indianapolis 46239

A private family visitation will be held at the church on Saturday, December 4, 2021 from 9:30am to 10:30am, with a Celebration of Life Service following at 11:00am at Church 52, 8220 Brookville Road, Indianapolis, IN  46239.  Reverend Martha Tennison will be officiating the service and all are welcome.
A private graveside service for the family will follow.

Shortly before his death, Phil had been working on a scholarship fund for individuals called to full time pulpit ministry. If you’d like to donate to this fund that was close to his heart, you can do so by writing a check to Church 52, and marking the check for Meade Pulpit Scholarship Fund in the memo line. You may also text your gift to 84321 and mention the fund in the “other” box.

Arrangements handled by Bell Mortuary and Crematory, Shangrila Chapel, 1444 W US Hwy 52, Fountaintown, IN

Online condolences at www.bellmortuary.com

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