Daniel Eugene Reed

Daniel Eugene Reed, 78, of Springfield, died at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at St. John's Hospital Hospice after a brave seven month battle with brain cancer. Daniel was born September 4, 1930 in Decatur, the son of Orra DeLloyd Reed and Helen Morrison Reed. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Sally Lou Fulk. He married Betty Joan Morgan on February 28, 1953 in Decatur. They began their journey in life on this day in 1953 and together celebrated their 56th anniversary, surrounded by their family, as he was peacefully called home to heaven. Daniel was a 1948 graduate of Decatur High School. He was a Navy veteran, serving in the Korean War from 1948 1952. He proudly served his country on the submarine USS Remora SS-487 as an Electrician's Mate, Second Class. He was employed at Illinois Bell Telephone, retiring in 1985. He was a lifetime member of the Illinois Telephone Pioneers, and a previous member of the Postal Club at Lake Springfield. He had coached boy's baseball and was a die-hard Cubs fan. Daniel was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church. His family will miss his words of wisdom and encouragement. He left many lessons of love, honesty and honor to his children and grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered for his friendly, acknowledging smile and handshake. He never knew a stranger. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Betty of Springfield; four children, Kay (Billy) Reese of Rochester, Jim Reed of Springfield, Peggy (Lynn) Brockmeyer of Rochester, Todd (Amy) Reed of Springfield; thirteen grandchildren, Chad Reese, Benjamin Reese, Joseph Reese, Amanda Reed (Cole) Bloomfield, Cory Reed, Erin Loeser (Doug) Draper, Erica Ragland (Don) Cave, Cory Brockmeyer, Whitney Brockmeyer, Summer Williams, Jason Carnett, Ashley Reed, and Zachary Reed; five great-grandchildren, Ty Draper, Baby-girl Draper (due to arrive in July), Jaedyn and Ryleigh Bloomfield, and Tucker Cave; brother, Richard Reed of CA; aunt, Virginia Tartar of AZ; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center. Family will receive friends from 10:30 11:15 a.m. followed by a memorial ceremony at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2009 at Concordia Lutheran Church, 2300 Wilshire Rd., Springfield with Pastor James Hennig officiating. Burial will be in Rochester Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Concordia Lutheran School or Concordia Lutheran Pre-School, 2300 Wilshire Rd. Springfield, IL 62703.