Steven "Steve" Edward Reed

Steven "Steve" Edward Reed, 69, of Ossian, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 11, 2025, at Stillwater Hospice, surrounded by family. Steve was born on September 22, 1955, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He attended Wayne High School, where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Julie Reed. They were married for 49 years.

Steve’s early baseball career began in the Wildcat League and included standout performances across various local programs. His success as a pitcher led to numerous team championships and a national finals appearance with the St. Joe Athletic Club.

In 1972, Steve was part of Wayne High School’s first-ever public school baseball team, helping them win three Sectional titles and earning a spot on the first All-City Team. He was selected in the first round of the 1974 MLB June Draft by the Cincinnati Reds and went on to pitch four seasons in their minor league system. After a shoulder injury in 1977, he continued his career as a closer in the Milwaukee Brewers' organization. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments, Steve was inducted into the Northeast Indiana Baseball Association Hall of Fame in 2005.

After his baseball career, Steve worked in sales. He enjoyed the simplest things in life and valued time with his family. He was especially active in his grandchildren’s sporting events and spent much of his free time outdoors—hunting, fishing, and relaxing by the river with his son and nephews.

Steve is survived by his wife, Julie Reed; daughter, Angie (Jimmy) Logan; son, Jason (Laura) Reed; brother, Rick (Helen) Reed; and six grandchildren. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Reed; mother, Martha “Jeanne” Reed; and brother, Michael Reed.

Celebration of Life will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Klaehn, Fahl, & Melton Funeral Home, 6424 Winchester Road, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46819, with visitation beginning at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wildcat Baseball or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.