Michael Robert Reed

Michael Robert Reed, age 59 passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025. Mike was born in Plymouth, IN on January 12, 1966 to Dr. Robert and Lucille (Broeking) Reed. Mike was born 9 years after his youngest sister, the first boy after 4 girls. The Holiday Inn in Plymouth put on their sign: “A boy at last for Doc Reed”. Mike was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s at the early age of 54 to which he succumbed.

Mike graduated from Columbus North High School and Lincoln Tech Automotive School. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in Computer Science from Purdue University Indianapolis. Mike began his career at Alverno Information Services (AIS) as a programmer and database architect. He continued his career as a database architect at Eli Lilly. He then took a break from information systems and worked for the running event management company Tuxedo Brothers. Mike returned to working in information systems and retired from Franciscan Health Information Services (formerly AIS). After retirement Mike worked briefly for the EquiTeam construction company.

As a youth, Mike enjoyed boating, water skiing and jet skiing on Grandview Lake in Columbus. He also enjoyed playing youth hockey, riding his motorized dirt bike and driving his truck. As an adult, Mike lived in Beech Grove, IN and enjoyed attending many Reed, Paxton and Lambert family gatherings. He always sat at the “kids” table, (he said it was because he didn’t drink coffee). His nieces and nephews loved Uncle Mike and he became Uncle-Uncle Mike to his great nieces and nephews who already had an Uncle Mike. Owning a jet ski, he continued his love for water sports, boating and jet skiing with family and friends. He also loved snow skiing, biking, swimming and running. Mike loved dogs and had many faithful ones over the years, often taking in ones that someone else could no longer care for.

Mike trained for and participated in many, many running events with his close friend Bill Deweese. Together they participated in many 5K running races, sprint triathlons, half marathons, marathons and completed two Iron Man competitions. They often volunteered with Tuxedo brothers, helping run and timing running events. Bill was a faithful friend, visiting and supporting Mike as he endured his battle with Alzheimer’s.

Mike is survived by his sisters, Susan Reed (Jeff Lewis); Dr. Barbara Reed (Dr. Philip Zazove); Judy Reed; Patty Paxton (Jim) and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Mark Coons.

In lieu of a funeral service, the family will have a private gathering at a later time to share memories of Mike. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or your favorite charity.

To view Mike's memorial slideshow please visit: https://youtu.be/v1NAGaJzxns