In loving memory of

Ray E. Reed
January 18, 1921 - October 7, 2011

Ray Edward Reed, age 90 of Colfax, died Friday, October 07, 2011, at Skiff Medical Center - Monarch Wing in Newton. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. at the Howard Street Christian Church of Colfax with burial following at Silent City Cemetery in Monroe. Visitation will be held on Monday, October 10, 2011 at Coburn Funeral Home from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Colfax Fire Department, Mingo Fire Department or Hospice of Jasper County. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com.

The son of Elmer and Laura (Sanders) Reed, Ray Edward Reed was born on January 18, 1921 in What Cheer, Iowa. Ray attended What Cheer and Newton Community Schools. On January 14, 1939 Ray was united in marriage with Helen M. McDaniel in Newton. Ray proudly served his country during WWII as a member of the United States Army, serving under General George Patton. Ray worked for Maytag for 32 years, retiring in 1977. While working at Maytag Ray and Helen also started Reed's Greenhouse. Ray spent countless hours at the greenhouse until his health would no longer allow. Ray loved attending and sponsoring youth athletics in the Colfax and Mingo area. He was also known as "Grandpa" to almost every kid in town. Ray was an honorary FFA and 4H Member.

Those left to honor Ray's memory are his three children; Gary Reed and his wife Patty of Winder, Georgia; Keith Reed and his wife Nancy of Colfax; and Donna Thompson and her husband Ronald of Colfax; nine grandchildren, twenty-five great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, wife, infant daughter, Judith, and two brothers, Leo and Earl Reed.

Tributes

Kris Oswalt Smith wrote on Oct 15, 2011:

"My sister and I always loved going to the greenhouse, sometimes 2 to 3 times a week. When our children were little Ray would never let them leave empty handed. He always gave them a coleus or an aloe plant. Tara and Dave were so proud to report back to Ray that their plants were getting bigger, Ray would always wink at us knowing that he gave the kids plants the were sure to grow. My thoughts are with you."

Melissa and Chandler Clayton wrote on Oct 11, 2011:

"Grandpa was an incredible man and it is hard to express in words how much he meant to us and how much he will be missed. He touched countless lives with his kindness, honesty, generousity and gentle sense of humor. We love and miss you forever Grandpa!"

Dr. Maureen Merritt & family wrote on Oct 11, 2011:

"Our prayers and condolences go out to the Reed family on the passing of their father and grandfather Ray. My mother Betty, who loved to shop at the greenhouse each spring, always said he had the best flowers on the planet. Ray was a good man whose presence in the community will surely be missed."

Nora Borts wrote on Oct 11, 2011:

"I wanted to let the family know that as much as mom, Catharine Henderson, wants to come and be with the family she is not able to. She was saying how much fun her and dad used to have with Ray and Mardell. How they were a special couple. That is picture of Ray about summed up his life always smiling and ready to help everyone. He will really be missed. Hugs and prayers to the family. Catharine Henderson Brian and Nora Borts"

Kathi Shepherd wrote on Oct 10, 2011:

"I grew up living next door to Ray and Mardelle. I was at their house as much as at my grandparents. I will miss them both. I loved them very much. My brother Ron and I are friends with Gary and Keith and Donna. He will be missed."

Eleanor Lewis wrote on Oct 10, 2011:

"He will be missed a lot prayers to all the family."

Nicole (Reed) Kirby wrote on Oct 10, 2011:

"I have many fond childhood memories of him and great grandma. He was a very special man and is going to be incredibly missed. I loved him so much, he will always hold a special place in my heart. "

Karen, Matt, John and Caleb McDaniel wrote on Oct 10, 2011:

"Uncle Ray was always such an honest man, even when you didn't want him to be such as telling you " I see you are still not skinny". He always had such a great sense of humor. He was loving and kind and it was always a treat to be able to go and visit at their house even as adults. We will miss you Uncle Ray. Thanks for all the memories."

Stacy (Edgar) Kacer wrote on Oct 9, 2011:

"The Jeff, Will and I will miss you so very much "Grandpa". Love and prayers to all the family. Stacy"

Eleanor Binegar Madoll wrote on Oct 9, 2011:

"You will be missed...Sorry I can't be there.."

casey wrote on Oct 9, 2011:

"He was my grategrandpa.I have only seen his once ever at his wife's funuel.I will miss him."