Stephen Clifford Reed

1946 - 2025

Stephen Clifford Reed, 79, of Montgomery, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on December 19, 2025, returning to the vast heavens he spent a lifetime admiring.

Born on September 16, 1946, in Detroit, Michigan, Stephen lived with the same quiet wonder he brought to every clear night sky-always searching, always marveling at the infinite beauty of God's creation.

A proud Vietnam War-era veteran, Stephen served in the United States Air Force as a Staff Sergeant in Radio Intelligence, stationed in Japan. His service demanded precision and vigilance, qualities he later turned toward the stars, listening not for signals from earth but for the silent symphony of the cosmos.

An avid astronomer and photographer, Stephen found profound joy under the canopy of night. Through his telescope and camera lens, he captured galaxies, nebulae, and fleeting meteors, forever in awe of the intricate design that stretched across the heavens. To him, every star was a testament to divine artistry, every constellation a story written in light. He shared this passion generously, inviting family and friends to look upward and remember how small we are-and yet how deeply connected to something eternal.

Stephen is survived by his devoted wife, Wendie Reed; his son, John Reed, and daughter-in-law, Vanessa Reed; granddaughter, Brighton Goodpasture; his younger brother, Bruce Reed, and sister-in-law Linda Reed; and his loyal canine companion, Bupper, who often kept watch beside him during late-night stargazing.

Though he has slipped beyond the horizon, Stephen's light endures-in the memories of those who loved him, in the photographs he left behind, and in the countless stars he taught us to see with new wonder.

The family welcomes those who wish to honor Stephen by spending a quiet evening under the stars, perhaps finding a familiar constellation and whispering a silent thank you to the man who showed us how to look up in awe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a veterans' organization, a local astronomy club, or the International Dark-Sky Association in Stephen's memory.

A celebration of Stephen's life will be held on Sunday, January 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas. A reception will follow services at the same location.