Daniel Allen Reed

Daniel Allen Reed, 77, was born May 24, 1949, in Chicago, Illinois, at Evangelical Hospital, to the late Edward and Monica (Klaczynski) Reed. He died November 7, 2026. He was a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Daniel’s early years in Chicago were marked by discipline and drive, qualities that showed themselves first on the basketball court. He attended Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Grade School, where he played basketball and was considered one of the best in the city. He later attended Grayslake High School, earning a place on the varsity team as a sophomore, being named the team’s most valuable player, and receiving honorable mention all-conference as a junior in the Northwest Suburban Conference of Chicago. He continued playing at Springfield Junior College. After his second year of college, he left school and went to work as a draftsman for Allis Chalmers until he was drafted.

Daniel served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War and received an honorable discharge. During his time in the Army, he earned a private pilot license at the Manhattan, Kansas, airport—an early expression of the focus and determination that would continue to shape his life. He later earned a commercial pilot license in Fort Wayne and Auburn.

Committed to building a life of purpose and steady achievement, Daniel pursued education and professional credentials with resolve. He attended the Forty Wayne Art Institute. He also attended IPFW (Indiana–Purdue Fort Wayne) and earned a business degree with a concentration in marketing and communication from Indiana University. In 2006, he earned a master’s degree from Purdue University in communication with a concentration in interpersonal communication. Professionally, he attained a real estate license, a real estate broker’s license, and an auctioneer’s license.

Daniel is survived by his children, Nathaniel (Jami) Reed and Samantha Reed; and his grandchildren, Caydon Voss, Landon Reed, and Tucker Reed. As he made clear in his final reflections, his two children were the most important things in his life—a truth that guided his priorities and remained at the center of who he was.

To honor his wishes, a cremation will occur followed by a Celebration of Life.

A Memorial Visitation will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley, 1320 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, on November 13, 2026, from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 5:30 pm.