Melvin Reed
Melvin Reed
Melvin Reed
December 25, 1928 – October 14, 2019
Cedar, Iowa | Age 90
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran
Melvin Reed, 90, of Cedar died Monday, October 14, 2019, at the MHP Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa. He was born December 25, 1928, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, the son of Rev. Russell and Theresa Schaffer Reed.
Following his birth, the family lived in several places including, Youngstown, Ohio, St. Petersburg, Lakeland and Tallahassee, Florida. Melvin eventually came to live with his grandparents in Fremont.
Melvin graduated from Fremont High School with the class of 1946. Following graduation, he furthered his education at Iowa State University studying agriculture.
In July of 1948, Melvin joined the United States Marine Corps. He shipped off to San Diego, California where he completed boot camp. The Marine Corps allowed Melvin to see the world. He spent time on Kodiak Island, Alaska, and then shipped out to Korea. He was a part of the 5th Div. Marines, his unit was involved in three amphibious landings on the front lines and was attached to the Republic of Korea Army for a short time. Melvin was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 1952, for the remainder of his life he was grateful to the Lord for his safe return home. He returned to the Fremont and Cedar area where he continued farming his family’s farm.
On September 19, 1954, he was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Cowman at the Fremont Baptist Church in Fremont. The two of them raised their family and farmed that home farm their entire married life. Shirley died on September 19, 2017. Following her death Melvin stayed on the farm and continued to offer guidance to his son Ron. He was looking forward to this year’s harvest and just last week was questioning Ron about the combine being ready to go to the field.
Melvin was a member of the Wright Union Church until it was closed. He regularly attended the Fremont Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, gardening, and camping. He was a talented handyman and was always willing to help his neighbors with projects. He also enjoyed watching sporting events, especially if the Iowa State Cyclones were playing. He delighted in spending time with his family.
His family includes his two children and their spouses: Ron (& Becky) Reed of Fremont, and Rhonda (& David) Simms of Oskaloosa; six grandchildren: Brad Simms, Angie Simms, Derrick (& Megan) Simms, Jessica (& Isaac) Brehmer, Megan (& Brian) Powell, and Caitlin (& Justin) Oilar; nine great grandchildren: Liam, Clayton, Emersyn, Hadley, Taya, Weston, Nolan, Remington, and Kinsley; a sister in law, Betty Handy of Oskaloosa; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife Shirley, Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Bradley Scott Reed.
Funeral services will be held Friday, October 18, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in the Fremont Funeral Chapel in Fremont with Reverend Robb Bruns officiating.
Burial will be in the Cedar Township (North) Cemetery.
Graveside Military Honors will be given by members of the Oskaloosa American Legion and V.F.W. The Fremont Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation will begin Thursday after 11:00 a.m. in the Fremont Funeral Chapel and the family will be at the funeral chapel from 5-7 Thursday evening to greet friends and relatives.
Memorials may be made to Fremont Baptist Church, Cedar Township Fire and Rescue, or MHP Hospice Serenity House.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Melvin Reed please visit the Fremont Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
