Ronald Wilson Mead, 78, passed away on February 18, 2026. His family has requested the Patriot Guard to accompany Ron to his final resting place at Riverside National Cemetery. It will be our honor to fulfill their wishes. Ron has been a personal friend of mine for several years and I thank the family for this honor.
Ron enlisted in the Army in 1965 during the height of the Vietnam War as an infantryman. As a result, he saw a lot of combat. He was wounded in action and is a recipient of the Purple Heart. Ron was awarded the Good Conduct Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Vietnam Service Medal. Ron was honorably discharge as a SP4 in 1968.
After his military service, Ron worked as a general contractor, “jack of all trades,” for over 40 years. Ron lived life on his own terms. You always knew exactly where you stood with Ron. I would describe him as a lion on the outside and a teddy bear on the inside. Ron could also be described as loving, strong, stubborn, and incredibly generous. He was very generous and supported other veterans without question.
He found meaningful moments spending time fishing with his family in Minnesota. He loved riding dirt bikes or cruising on his Harley. He as a longtime member of the local HOG chapter. He loved riding his horse and was a member of the Sheriff’s Rangers.
Ron loved adventure and had a natural gift for humor. He was always ready with a joke.
Ron is survived by his children, daughter, Jaydee, son, Ron Jr., and a ton of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also survived by two sisters and three brothers as well as many others who loved him and will carry on his spirit and memory.
NOTE: Ron has made a special request to those attending his services to
wear pink.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this military veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, we will be accompanying the hero and his family from the funeral home to the cemetery, approximately 70 miles. Please see the timetable if you would like to participate. For those who would rather go directly to the cemetery, we will meet you there.
TIMETABLE FOR THURSDAY, 09 APRIL 20261045: Stage at Sunset Hills Mortuary 24000 Waalew Rd, Apple Valley, CA.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/aBKrs3DYjRjtYKueA (Please arrive quietly as service will be ongoing.)
1115: Mission briefing.
1145: Flag line as hero is moved into family vehicle.
1200. KSU to Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd, Riverside, CA (approx 70 miles)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/T4nV2Bop19opAp7C71330: ETA Riverside National Cemetery and move to staging lane.
1400: KSU to assigned shelter for military honors and flag line.
Craig “Jip-C” Lane, CPL USMC
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
(760) 900-0388You do not have to be a veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
