Wyland Kent Reed

Wyland Kent Reed, 88, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on October 4, 2012. He was born in Amarillo, Texas on May 9, 1924. He lived on a farm from 5-11 years old during the Depression era in Roy, New Mexico. Mr. Reed attended high school in Amarillo,Texas afterwards joining the United States Marine Corps on December 12, 1942 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was qualified as a weapons sharpshooter and an automotive mechanic. He proudly served during WWII as a Private First Class in the South, Central and Western Pacific from 1943-1944. He received medals and cititations for participating in action in battles at Tarawa Atoll, B.G.I.; Abemama Atoll, B.G.I.; Saipan, Marianas Islands; Tinian, Marianas Islands. He married Daryl Zella Walberg on January 27, 1945. Mr. Reed was employed for 22 years as an Engineering Draftsman by Chevron Oil Company in California and then at Williams AFB, AZ for 13 years. He belonged to the AEDGE (Arizona Early Day Gas Engine) & Tractor Association specializing in gas engines.

Mr. Reed is survived by his wife of 67 years, Daryl Zella Reed; daughter Diane Elizabeth Thomas; sisters Wanda Lou Clarkson; Joyce Lanelle Caraway; grandson Mitchell James Thomas; granddaughter Lesley Anne (Thomas) Schryver; two great-granddaughters Haley and Abigail Schryver.

Visitation will be held from 2-4 pm, Thursday, October 11, 2012 with Services to follow at 4:00 pm at Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel, 6625 E. Main St., Mesa, Arizona. Mr. Reed will be laid to rest at a later date, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

The family asks that Memorial Donations be made to the US Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, 3800 Fettler Park Dr., Suite #104, Dumfries, VA 22025.