Merle Reed

Merle Clyde "Curly" Reed, 93, of Mansfield went home to be with his Lord on April 16, 2015. Born September 25, 1921 in Barnesboro, PA, he was the son of Sam and Mary (Mitasky) Reed. A WWII Veteran, Merle served as a medic and x-ray technician in the Philippines during the Japanese invasion. Returning to Pennsylvania, Merle attended the University of Pittsburgh where he made the Dean's List all four years and graduated Valedictorian of his class with a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. He went to work for General Motors as a payroll auditor. Merle worked in Pittsburgh, PA for five years before transferring to the Mansfield (Fisher Body) General Motors when it was built, and retired in 1980 after 30 years of service. In his free time, he loved going to auctions and garage sales, bowling, golf, and doing puzzles. He was a huge Pitt Panther's football and basketball fan and loved the Pittsburgh Steelers. An amazing cook, Curly had his own small candy business where his specialty was fudge. He liked to sing and play his guitar, but mostly, he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are his children, Roger (Joan) Reed, Tammy (Freddie Garcia) Reed, and Penny (Mike) Tschantz; grandchildren, Roger W. (Tanya) Reed, Jennifer (Kenny) Vollmer, Luke Tschantz, Rachel Tschantz, and Dakota Garcia; four great-grandchildren, Brandon, Hailey, and Ethan Reed and Jordan Elizabeth, due May 2nd; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, Merle was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Phyllis Reed, who he married July 28, 1961 and passed away just one month ago on March 16, 2015; and siblings, Violet Weakland, James "Jim" Reed, Howard "Blair" Reed, Helen "Mae" Gallagher, and Robert "Bob" Reed.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, April 22, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond Street, Mansfield conducted by Pastor Roger Reed. Family and friends are invited to visit one hour prior to the service, from 1-2 p.m. Military graveside services conducted by the Richland County Joint Veteran's Burial Detail will follow in Mansfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made Hospice of North Central Ohio, 1050 Dauch Drive, Ashland, OH 44805.