In Loving Memory of Kenny Meade
On Monday, March 29th Andrew Meade received a call from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office that his little brother, Kenny, had passed away on Sunday morning, March 28th as a result of his long battle with drug addiction. While many people might have seen Kenny as a user, homeless, or a blimp in their daily lives, to Andrew and John (brothers) he was much more, Kenny was a friend, uncle, and brother.
Kenny and his brothers grew up in central Kentucky and like many in that area, they had a severe lack of resources. Growing up, they leaned heavily on each other as they often moved place to place in their early years, until their family finally settled in Radcliff, Kentucky. At a young age John, Kenny, and Andrew had to fend for themselves and each chose a path that led them to where they are today. Unfortunately, Kenny was introduced to substance abuse at a young age.
Between losing their father, Milton, in 2007, and surviving an incredibly life-threatening car accident, Kenny became addicted to opioids, and that led him down a path of experimenting with other drugs to cope with his pain- both physical and emotional/mental. Throughout Kenny’s life, Andrew tried to find help for Kenny, never giving up on him.
Andrew truly believed that Kenny could be set free, he encouraged and spoke life over him, shared Jesus with him, would ask others to pray for Kenny, sent monetary help for food, clothing, basic needs, and many times had him set up to attend Teen Challenge, a non-profit substance abuse rehabilitation center. The spiritual battle of good vs evil is real, and unfortunately addiction won with Kenny. But it does not have to keep winning in others who might be struggling.
The financial stress of this past year has taken a toll on Andrew and Emily, as not only did they lose Kenny, but a short 10 months ago, they lost Andrew’s mother, Michelle, suddenly to COVID-19 (the same day their son, Beckett, was born). Because of the poor financial status that both Kenny and Michelle were in, the cumulative expenses of burial, funeral arrangements, and travel to and from Kentucky has all fallen on Andrew and Emily. They’ve received an outpouring of prayers, kind words, care, and support from so many of their friends and family, and they
are forever grateful.
Please join us supporting this amazing couple as they have been through SO much these last 10 months and beyond. Helping out financially is a very tangible way that would bless them significantly during this time as they prepare to lay Kenny to rest. Andrew & Em - we love you and are SO proud of you! Your witness in the midst of some of lives greatest pain speaks volumes of your character and faith in Jesus Christ. There is purpose in the pain and nothing is wasted. You two are incredible and very, very loved.
Thank you everyone for reading and considering donating... even $5 (that's a caribou coffee drink, y'all) to Honor Kenny and bless Emily & Andrew!
-Josh & Ria Thurston
