Thomas J. Reed, 82, of rural Erie, died Tuesday, Feb. 9, 2010, at his home. Memorial services celebrating his life will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 12, at Loraine United Methodist Church, rural Prophetstown. The Revs. Steve Brown and William Diescher will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by Geneseo VFW Post No. 5083 following services at the church. Per his request, cremation rites have been accorded. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Loraine United Methodist Church or Trinity Pathway Hospice. Vandemore Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Geneseo, is assisting the family with arrangements.
He was born May 5, 1927, in Knoxville, Iowa, the son of Frank and Martha (McGrew) Reed. He proudly served his country in the US Marine Corp during World War II as a small arms instructor. He married Patricia A. Parks May 11, 1957, in Des Moines, Iowa. He had been employed as a railroad conductor for the Rock Island Lines for 20 years then later was an engineer with the Main Central Railroad and the Jax Port Terminal, Jacksonville, Fla., retiring in 1994. He was a member of Loraine United Methodist Church, where he was very active in many church activities. He enjoyed golfing, raising hogs, was an avid gardener and enjoyed traveling with his wife in their Concession trailer.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia; two daughters and spouse, Jamie Cleveland of Morrill, Neb. and Nikki and Dick Grimes of Earlham, Iowa; two sons and spouse, Bruce Reed of Erie and Brian and Bonnie Reed of Omaha, Neb.; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Frederick Reed of Des Moines, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and four brothers.
Erie, Ill. —
