Gary Reed, 69, of Jefferson, died Saturday, January 13, 2018.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 18 at Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home in Jefferson officiated by Rev. Sheldon Henderson of Central Christian Church. Casket bearers were Robert Arms, Koln Reed, Kolton Reed, Logan Reed, Shaun Reed, Jimmy Dykes, Jon Biggart and Levi Looney. Honorary casket bearers were Kara Reed, Kelly Reed, Britnee Gamble, Jessie Arms, Kaitlynn Stofer, Gillian Stofer, Kelsey Reed, Brody Biggart, Brayden Biggart, Bailey Biggart, Madison Reed, Brianne Hurley, Justin Reed, Taylor Arms, Charlite Stofer, Dale Ganoe and Trent Ganoe. The recorded music played was “The Dance” by Garth Brooks, “I Can Only Imagine,” by Mercy Me and “Could I Have This Dance” by Anne Murray. Interment was at Jefferson Cemetery in Jefferson. Gary Russell Reed, son of Florence Winans Reed and Vern “Buck” Reed, was born May 1, 1948 in Pittsville, Illinois. He died January 13, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa at the age of 69 years.
Gary grew up in Hull, Illinois and graduated from West Pike High School in 1966. In 1967, Gary was united in marriage to Polly Price. They were the parents of two children, Shaun and Angie. On December 15, 1978, Gary was united in marriage to Sherry Cassens, they combined their families with Sherry’s daughter Jodi, and later had three children of their own, Stacey, John and Amber.
Gary and Sherry lived in Richmond, Illinois, then Dexter, Kansas before moving to Jefferson, Iowa where they have lived the last 30 years. Gary worked for Juhl Feed in Dana, Iowa.
Gary was always a family man and spent his life making sure his family was provided for. He enjoyed attending his kids sporting and special events, and later loved attending his grandchildren’s events.
Gary loved racing. He would spend every weekend he could at the Boone Speedway and was even able to make it to a couple of NASCAR races. In his earlier years he was a top contender in the NTPA along with his tractor, Orange Machine. He was a member of the NRA and also a huge Cardinals fan.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and his nephew, Aaron Reed. He is survived by his wife, Sherry Reed of Jefferson; his children: Shaun (Shelly) Reed of Jefferson, Angie Arms of Boone, Jodi (Dale) Ganoe, Stacey (Jon) Biggart and John Reed all of Jefferson and Amber Reed of Grinnell, Iowa; his brothers: Verne Lee (Linda) Reed of Barry, Ill. and Mike (Michele) Reed of Quincy, Ill.; 18 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; other relatives and friends. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Online condolences may be left at sliningerschroeder.com.
Slininger-Schroeder Funeral Home, 515-386-2171.