Walter Langworthy Mead III, 70, of Yelm, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on Jan. 10, 2025.
Born on March 2, 1954, in New Haven, Connecticut, Walter moved to Italy with his family at the age of 3. He spent seven years immersed in the art world, inspired by his father, a well-connected artist. His love for painting deepened through visits to the Vatican, particularly the Sistine Chapel.
Upon returning to the U.S., his family settled in Winnetka, Illinois. He graduated from New Trier East High School in 1972, and later refined his artistic talents at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. He developed a distinctive style, describing his paintings as “vivid, abstract, free forms of work.”
Walter found immense joy painting at home, surrounded by those he loved, especially his wife of 20 years, Lorna. He will be remembered as a kind, humble and generous man, with a great sense of humor. His greatest pleasures in life were his family and art.
He was predeceased in death by his father, Walter Langworthy Mead Jr., and his mother, Suzanne Mead Dyrud. He is survived by his wife, Lorna; siblings, Clayson, Virginia and Rebecca; children, Andrew, Brianna and Benjamin; niece, Jessica; nephew, Scott; stepchildren, Shaun and Tonya; grandchildren, Addison, Lilyan, Hadley, Tre’Von, Edward, Brooklyn, Jordyn, Layne, Cali and Elizabyth; and great-grandchild, Mya.
A celebration of life will be held at his home at a later date, where loved ones can gather to honor his memory and his artwork. Walter will be deeply missed by all who know and love him.
