Craig L. Meads, 83, of Kearney, formerly of Overton, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in Kearney, Nebraska.

Craig was born on November 6, 1942, in Ainsworth, Nebraska to Marshall and Veneta Meads. He was raised south of Ainsworth on a ranch and attended rural schools until they moved to Callaway in 1957. He graduated in 1961 from Callaway High School. He married Bernita (Hoffman) Meads and to them were born three children, Diane Heddinger, Bradley Meads, and Darin Meads.

While a young boy, he and his brother Cliff enjoyed living on the ranch and playing and fishing in the Calamus River. For one year, the rural country school only had Craig and his brother Cliff as students. After moving to Callaway, he would return to the sand hills in the summertime and work with his brother-in-law and other ranchers. In later years, he enjoyed playing cribbage and pitch. He bowled for many years on Tubs team.

He worked at Becton-Dickenson in Broken Bow where they lived. He worked for Roman Motor Freight, and his employer transferred him to Lexington where he was a dispatcher and also worked for Ruan and Perkins truck lines. From 1980 to 2024, he was a feed salesman and dealer for Moorman's Feed and consolidated ADM Alliance Nutrition.

He became a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Broken Bow after he was baptized. He later transferred to Lexington United Methodist in 1974, and Overton United Methodist in 1978, where he is a still a member. They moved to Kearney, Nebraska in July of 2024 and attended the First United Methodist Church, but still tried to join some events at the Overton United Methodist.

Craig is survived by his wife, Bernita Meads of Kearney; children, Diane (Kenny) Heddinger of Kearney, Bradley (Janna) Meads of Benton, Kansas, and Darin (Lisa) Meads of Blair, Nebraska; 12 grandchildren and spouses, 9 great-grandchildren; brother, Cliff Meads of Elm Creek; sisters-in-law, Jerry Jorgenson, Gaylene (Bill) Rudy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sister Carol Chase and her husband Clayton, sister Connie Klingbeil and her first husband, Marion Fletcher as well as her second husband, Jack Klingbeil; sister-in-law, Linda Meads, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Dee Olson, and Larry and Roberta Nansel.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington with Pastor Matt Fowler officiating.

Burial will be held after the service at the Overton Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the Overton Volunteer Fire Department or to the Overton United Methodist Church.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com