Stephen "Pat" Patrick Reed, Sr. passed away on February 27, 2024 at the age of 71. After fighting a yearlong battle with lung cancer, he was able to transition on his own terms at OLOL surrounded by his loved ones. Stephen was born on August 14, 1952 to Robert and Rosemary Reed in Charlottesville, Virginia. As the son of a career Army father, he lived in several places until the family settled in Ville Platte, LA, where he graduated from Sacred Heart in 1970. He studied at both LSU Eunice and LSU Baton Rouge. While studying in Baton Rouge he married his first wife, Darlene Russell. Together they had 4 children. In 1999 he married his current wife, Michelle. With that the union the cohesive meshing of families began. If you were fortunate to cross that inner circle you were forever family. He worked for Ethyl/Albemarle Corporation for over 20 years. After leaving Albemarle he transitioned to contract employment for several different chemical plants in the Louisiana/Texas region. He tried working for several different companies, but always returned to the TOTAL family. His brilliant mind and love of numbers kept him from fully retiring. Many times the words were spoken, "I'm going to retire next year." He worked part-time up until the time of his death. In his early years he used any occasion to host a party. As his family grew, the events changed. His house always had an open door policy and saw many little league teams, boy scouts, girls scouts, family reunions and card games. NBFATR. Nothing but fun at the Reed's! He is survived by his wife, Michelle; 4 children, Stephen, Brandon, Matthew and Kristie (Kevin); 6 grandchildren, Hayden (19), Brianna (15), Mia (15), Landon (5), Ryan (2) and Lily (1); sisters, Kathy (Steve) Reed and Barbara Gilchrist; and ex-wife, Darlene Arnette. He is preceded in death by both parents, Robert and Rosemary Reed. A memorial visitation will be held at Central Funeral Home in Central, LA on Saturday, March 2, 2024 from 10am until the memorial service begins at 12pm. Cremation has taken place. There will be no burial per Stephen's request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Stephen's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital or a charity of choice.
