Obituary of Richard Reed

Richard Lee Reed was born in Monroe, Michigan on May 29, 1956. He was the son of the late Harry Reed Jr. and Dora (Beard) Reed. Richard grew up in Luna Pier and earned his GED. Richard's family was very important to him. As a young man he enjoyed taking his family camping and fishing. Richard returned to school and earned a welding certificate through Monroe County Community College. For the past five years he had worked at Ladapa Die and Tool in Dundee. When Richard wasn't working, he was an avid sports fan. He loved to watch his beloved Lions and was also a die hard Michigan Wolverine fan. Richard was also passionate about NASCAR. He was especially devoted to drivers Earnhardt, Martin, and Gordon. Recently, you could find him playing bingo at nursing homes and local Bingo halls. After enduring years of illness, Richard Lee Reed age 56 of Toledo passed away at 4:00am, Sunday, December 16, 2012 at home. He had been under the care of Odyssey Hospice. In addition to his parents, his passing was preceded by a daughter: Christina Mae Reed; his maternal grandparents: Edwin and Edna Beard; and his paternal grandparents: Harry E. Reed Sr. and Margarite Reed. To cherish his memory he leaves his former spouse: Jewel (Cox) Reed; two daughters: Alta Helen Cox and Dora Jane Reed; two sons: John Ray Cox and Richard Lee Reed Jr. all of Toledo; two sisters: Diana (Jason) Reed of Toledo and Angela (Richard) Perry of Erie; one brother: Harry "Tony" (Janis) Reed of Monroe; ten grandchildren: Jacob Cox, Richard Lee Reed III, Christopher Reed, Ricky Curns, Asia Curns, Jordan Curns, Shane Curns, Kyle Perry, Brianna Curns, and Krista Cox. Friends may gather from 5:00-7:00pm, Thursday, December 20, 2012 at Merkle Funeral Service, 9156 Summit Street in Erie (734) 848-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 10:00am, Friday, December 21, also at Merkle's. Procession will follow to Maple Shade Cemetery in Onsted, Michigan for burial. The family wishes to express their gratitude to Odyssey Hospice of Maumee Ohio; especially Jim, Lisa, and Jenny for all the love, care and support for Richard and the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family for funeral expenses. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.