Donald Eugene Reid

Donald Eugene Reid left his earthly home in the wee hours of the morning on May 15, 2026, at age 89, bringing to a conclusion a life well-lived. The time of day is ironic in that if he had not chosen to be an educator and basketball coach, he said that he would have chosen to be a cowboy. His family is eternally grateful for the best care he has received at home during these last months of his life. He is now able to rest in peace and be reunited with his parents, Phyllis Martin Reid and Dr. Eugene Hamer Reid, his son, Michael Reid (Mary), his daughter, Diane Reid, his sister, Phyllis Jean Niehaus, Dr. Richard Reid, and nephew, John Ghiorso.

Don was born December 28, 1936, at home in Ralph's Station, delivered by his father, a physician. He was raised on the family ranch, attending local elementary schools before graduating from Sonora High School in 1954. Following that, he attended and played basketball at Modesto Junior College and San Jose State University, receiving an M.A. in Physical Education in 1960. His first professional coaching job was at Manteca High School, where he led the Buffaloes to a record-breaking season and undefeated league championship.

Following his success in Manteca, Coach Reid, at age 26, began his career with Blue Devil Basketball. During its inaugural season, he was given the task of building the program from the ground up before Merced College's campus, as we know it, even existed. The team was based and practiced at the American Legion Hall and played their home games at local high schools throughout Merced County. For more than 30 years, Reid's leadership, dedication, and passion for the game shaped Merced College basketball. The program enjoyed tremendous success with a 563-207 record, 14 straight 20-win seasons, 15 conference Championships, and back-to-back state championships in 1978-79. Don was the recipient of many awards, including being named California Community College Coach of the year, two times and being inducted into the California Community College Men's Basketball Association Hall of Fame in 1989.

Though Don earned countless accolades over the course of his distinguished coaching career, his players and colleagues agree that his greatest achievement was the way he cared for people. He believed that coaching extended far beyond the court. To him, every athlete was a whole person with dreams, challenges, and a future that mattered. He made it his mission to support them not only as competitors but as young adults learning to navigate life.

Don consistently emphasized the importance of continuing education, urging his players to pursue opportunities beyond their years at the community college level. He reminded them that their identity was not defined solely by basketball, and he encouraged them to build a foundation that would carry them long after the final buzzer. His office door was always open-whether a player needed academic guidance, life advice, or simply someone to listen.

He cared deeply about how his players conducted themselves off the court. He believed character was revealed in everyday choices: how one treated others, how one contributed to the community, and how one carried themselves when no one was watching. He modeled these values with humility and consistency, earning the respect of generations of athletes who saw in him not just a coach, but a mentor and role model.

One of Don's grea's test joys came from hearing about the lives his former players built after leaving Merced College. Whether they became teachers, parents, business owners, or community leaders, Don celebrated their successes as if they were his own. He took immense perserverance-continued to shape their paths long after their playing days ended.

Don's legacy is not measured in wins and trophies, though he had many. It lives on in the countless individuals whose lives he touched, the values he instilled, and the community he helped strengthen. His impact will continue to echo through the stories, achievements, and character of the players who were fortunate to call him coach.

In the mid to late 1980's, while taking a leave of absence form Merced College, he served as coach for the Sharjah Sports Club for a year and then later as the coach of the United Arab Emirates National Olympic team, also working with their junior and youth tems. Upon his return, he helped establish the Merced College women's team, going 112-44 with three 20-win seasons, two conference titles, and a career-capping final four state tournament appearance. in 2010, the basketball court at Merced College was named in his honor.

Following his retirement in 1997, Don and Carol alternated living between the desert and the mountain cabin they built in Plumas County. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in August of 2022 by the devastating Dixie Fire. It was an important place that they, their family, and mountain friends all dearly loved.

He is survived by his wife of 42 year, Carol, his daughter, Sharon, grandsons, Ian (Justine), Corey, Christopher (Melissa), and Joseph, great grandchildren, Gavin, Wesley, Desiree, Julien, and Matthew, his nephew Clayton Niehaus (Michelle), his niece Susan Calhoun, his sister-in-law Ciria Ghiorso (Michael), and his former wife Lutie Harris with whom he had three children.

A Celebration of life in Don's honor will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the Merced College Gymnasium starting at 11:00 a.m.