Stanley A. Reed, 70, of Harrison Township, passed into eternal rest at his home on September 21, 2013. Born on December 26, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of the late Margaret (Boresky) and Stanley S. Reed.
Stanley entered the US Navy in 1960 and served on the USS Fulton in New London, Connecticut. He became a journeyman electrician through J & L Steel Corp. in Pittsburgh, PA, and the Chrysler Corp. in Hamtramck, Michigan.
He attended Henry Ford and Macomb County Community Colleges and earned his Bachelors degree in Engineering at Oakland University in 1978. In 1981, Stanley joined the Department of Defense in Detroit and eventually retired from TACOM, Warren, Michigan, in 2002.
"Stan the Man" was known to many for his varied interests and creative talents. In retirement years, he enjoyed golf, watching sports, and going to casinos. He taught himself to paint, did woodworking, and later, turned to creating stained glass.
Stan had a desire to do whatever he could for our fallen heros -- the military, firemen, or police. He designed a sailboat using stained glass; "sloops," as he referred to the sailboats. Whenever he would hear of a fallen hero from Michigan, he would make a sloop, add the the military or fire or police department insignia, and the name and rank of the "fallen hero." Why a sailboat? Stan said it represented a person's final journey on the "sea of life." Stan took such pride in delivering these to the family, always adding a little something extra tucked in the sails. The notes of thanks he often received were what he treasured the most. Anytime Stan felt that someone had been HIS "hero," they would find him delivering a sloop in their college colors, their medical or college logo, or whatever. There are many political leaders, radio/TV celebrities, and local officials who have one of Stan's sloops. Stan DONATED most of his creative stained glass items and framed military art to various Veteran Organizations, the Macomb County Sheriff's Dept., as well as gifts for family and friends. He recently helped to acquire Track Chairs for two Vietnam era veterans.
Stanley is survived by his daughter, Darlene A. Reed, grandsons Aaron E and Alexander Reed Knoke, Darlene's fiance Steve Blanke, all of Green Bay, Wisconsin; brother Lloyd (Judith) Reed of Florida; nephew Bryan Reed of Texas; nephew Jame (Julie) Contakos of North Carolina, a former wife and dear friend Marlene Reed of South Carolina, and Stan's devoted pal, his dog, Lucky.
Arrangements are through Kaul Funeral Home in Clinton Township. A Memorial Gathering will be at the funeral home from 6pm-8pm on Thursday, October 3, 2013. Interment will be at the Fort Custer National Cemetery, Battle Creek, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests a memorial contribution be made for Stan to the Disabled American Veterans, the Harrison Twp. Fire Department, the Macomb County Sheriff's Department, or a military group of choice.
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