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Darrell Reed Obituary
Kentland - Dr. Darrell Richard Reed "Doc", 69, Kentland, Indiana, died at 11:40 am on Friday, April 13, 2018, in Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.
He was born in Peru, Indiana, on June 4, 1948, son of John R. and E. Eileen Reed. He was valedictorian and student body president of the 1966 class of North Miami High School. He was involved in many clubs and activities. He also showed beef cattle in 4-H. After graduation from North Miami High School, Darrell graduated from Manchester University where he played four years of varsity football and was student body president. He helped lead the 1969 football team to a conference championship. His football team was later inducted into the Manchester Hall of Fame. He also was the senior homecoming king candidate. He taught biology for five years at Maconaquah High School. While at Maconaquah he also coached varsity football, basketball and baseball. His baseball team won their sectional. In 1979 he graduated from the Indiana University School of Optometry. He has been an optometrist in Kentland for 39 years. He was still working part time until his death.
On June 1, 1974, Darrell married Paula Jane McAdams, who survives. They traveled to Colombia, South America, for their honeymoon. Their three children are Dr. Austina Jane Reed (Vincent Edmunds) of Peru, Dr. Darren Richard Reed (Jasmine Reynolds) of Lafayette and Dr. Ian Everett Reed (Kayla Wiseman) of Fort Wayne. Darrell was the proud "Papa" of Addison Jane, Samuel Richard and Everett Matthew.
Darrell was inducted in the Kentland Hall of Fame in 2015. He has been a South Newton school board trustee for 22 years. He has been a member of the Rotary, Lions' Club, Chamber of Commerce, serving as president, 2012 Top Optometrist of the Year for general eye and vision care, American Optometric Association, South Newton Booster Club and the Covenant Federated Church. He helped with the Boy Scouts, PTO, coach baseball, softball, Little League, 5th and 6th grade basketball. He was a fan of South Newton athletics.
Doc enjoyed traveling the world with his wife and family, reading, riding his motorcycle, boating, games with the grandchildren, chasing the dachshunds and talking with friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Ralph H. Reed.
Doc will be missed by his family and friends. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a wonderful husband, father and "Papa".
Visitation and memorial service have been arranged by Gerts Funeral Home. The celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, April 22, beginning 2:00 pm CDT at the South Newton Middle School Gym in Kentland, followed by the memorial service at 4:00 pm CDT. The graveside service will be Monday, April 23, at 2:00 pm CDT at Williamsport Highland Cemetery in Williamsport, Indiana. Memorial donations may be made for the "Doc Reed" scholarship fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Darrell Reed
Sponsored by Austina Reed, PhD.
Kevin Balsbaugh
May 17, 2024
He was my favorite teacher at Maconaquah. I drove to Kentland once to visit him after I got out of the Army. He was loved by all His students.
Denise Brehmer
August 28, 2018
I am so sorry. I just learned yesterday that he had passed in April when I came upon Austina in Peru. He was my 1st cousin. Condolences to all.
Jeff Richey
May 20, 2018
I had the pleasure of playing for Coach Reed during the 1973-74 football season. He was a great influence on all of us and helped us to maintain a level of effort and behavior that mirrored his. Rest In Peace Coach Da-double R-E-double L R- double E D...always introduced himself this way...Great Man
Georgia
May 8, 2018
MARCEL T
April 26, 2018
Sincere condolences to all in the family. When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure in your heart and it lives forever. May the wonderful treasures fill your heart with love and bring you peace. LUKE 12:34
Ken & Sharon Dickman
April 25, 2018
So sorry to hear about the passing of Darrell. We are part of the Maconquah family. Ken and Darrell spent a lot of time teaching and coaching with Darrell. Ken (basketball official) also enjoyed seeing him at South Newton. I always remember what a gentleman he was. Your family is in our prayers.
Lora Scott
April 25, 2018
I was deeply saddened to learn of Dr Reed's passing. As one of his frame vendors, I called on him for many years. I always looked forward to coming to see him, knowing we'd have an interesting discussion and we'd share stories about the growth of our families. He loved you all so very much and was proud of the people you've become. We will all miss him but let us celebrate his life and enjoy our memories of him, especially his jokes and the laughter we shared. My sincere condolences go to his entire family.
Janey Russell
April 23, 2018
So sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Reed. I enjoyed him as a parent in my kindergarten class at Kentland. My prayers go out to the family.
Deborah Doyle
April 22, 2018
We are so sorry for your loss. He was a great husband,father,grandfather, friend and wonderful eye doctor. He will missed. I remember taking care of my girls when they got contacts. They left them in longer then they should. Scolded them when they got eye infections. Told them never to do that again. He has a beautiful soul. God got a beautiful angel. Love From the Robin and Debbie Doyle Family
Jim Nash
April 22, 2018
To Paula sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. May the good Lord keep you in his arms.
Brandon Bertsch
April 22, 2018
I was saddened upon hearing this news last week. My deepest condolences go out to the entire Reed Family. I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Reed both as my grade school eye doctor and next door neighbor. He was always kind and generous with his time and words. He clearly had a great impact on so many people and was an invaluable member of his community.
Howard an Jean Pitstick
April 22, 2018
Dr. Reed as a wonderful man an Doctor an will be missed by all in Kentland an surrounding communitys. We also have Dr! Darren Reed as our family Dr. Prayers an Love to all the family!!
RIP Dr. Reed
Thomas Shreves
April 22, 2018
Dr Reed was my eye dr and friend for many years it was him that helped me get into the marines he will be sorely missed prayers to his family RIP Dr Reed as you spend the rest of your life with Jesus
Joy LaWall
April 21, 2018
Darrell and I went to Liberty Grade School for 8 years in Peru. I'm so sorry to hear about his death! Sounds like he had a great life! My deepest sympathies.
Janeth Pearson
April 20, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathies to the entire the family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Gloria Williams
April 20, 2018
Mr.Reed was absolutely, hands-down the best ever teacher I ever had, bar none. How blessed we have all been. What? None of you were named "Tungsten"? LOL, one of the funniest moments was during a class when he announced he was going to name his future kid! We were studying different metals when this occurred. One of those defining moments that stick with you. RIP,Dear Mr. Reed. From the contents of your obit, you have surely earned it! Love from a former student, Gloria McFarland Williams
John McKinley
April 20, 2018
Coach Reed was one of the most positively influential people Ive ever had the pleasure to have known. He was both my football coach and drivers ed teacher. He was always encouraging his players and students to be as good as they could be. When he said it, you believed him.
My sympathies to the family; but, be proud that youve had the presence and guidance in your lives of one of the best of Gods children.
Carol Metzinger
April 20, 2018
Dr Reed was a wonderful man and great friend, We've lost a great Angel here on Earth but we gained an excellent one in Heaven to watch out for all of us. God Bless you, Doc and peace be with you.
God Bless his family in this sad and trying time.
Donna Bevington
April 20, 2018
Aww, this makes me sad. I loved his class! He got me interested in clouds, weather, and so much more. Because he pretty much dared us on a class walkabout, a few of us tasted a persimmon from a tree that grew where Mac El is now (it made my lips stick to my teeth). I'm sure he was a good optometrist, but he was a phenomenal teacher! Godspeed, Mr. Reed!
Shirley Sargent
April 20, 2018
My sympathy to the family he was a very nice man I remember him coming in to Casey's general store always kind and pleasant
Verna Kasper
April 20, 2018
Dr. Reed was a very wonderful man who treated my children when they were little. We all have lost a wonderful friend and a man that has contributed so, so much in his lifetime. Dr. Darren Reed my prayers and with you and your entire family.
Emilio Cruz
April 19, 2018
There aren't enough words to say about this kind man. One of the greatest men I ever met in my book..I was fortunate enough to grow up around Dr.Reed and play all sports with his son (Darren). Looked up to him all my life. He will be missed greatly by me and my family. He will never be forgotten..
Tracy Illingworth Sondgerath
April 19, 2018
Dr. Reed was such a wonderful man. He was so good to our family, he always went above and beyond to help us. I loved hearing him talk about his wife and chidren. Rest in peace!
Nina Pipes
April 19, 2018
doc reed was a wonderful man. He always made me smile. I will never forget his sense of humor. R. I. P
April 19, 2018
I knew Darrell as a fellow Liberty Grade School student. He was a very nice, thoughtful young boy.
I lost track of him but was aware of his MHS teaching and then med school. Not at all surprised that he grew up to be a pillar in his local community.
My deepest condolences to Darrell's family. He was a good boy and then a good man. So sad to lose him.
Nancy Lopp
April 19, 2018
What a nice man. He will be missed
April 19, 2018
Jan Clymer, Minneapolis, MN
John and Joann Etchison
April 19, 2018
Our deepest sympathy to Dr. Reed's family. We feel so lucky to have had his excellent eye care and friendship for all these years. He was the best!
John and Loni Burger
April 19, 2018
What a loss to his family, to the community, and to all the lives he has touched over the years. Our prayers and condolences.
Janet Loy
April 19, 2018
You have our deepest sympathy. He was a very kind and compassionate person. If you had a problem he was always there for you. Howard and Janet Loy
Becky and Kassandra Lightner
April 19, 2018
I have had Dr. Reed my eye doctor ever since he started working at the clinic with the former Dr. Curtis and he was one great person, friend and doctor. His presence will be greatly missed and his cheery personality, also. He was good friends to my parents and also to my daughter and myself. He is now a guardian angel in heaven to his family and grandchildren. He is now smiling down everyone and he knows that he will always be there for support and love. God bless Dr. and fly high.
Leland &Diana Webster
April 19, 2018
Dr Reed was a wonderful person,he will be sadly missed.
J.R. Datzman
April 19, 2018
Doc Reed was one of a kind and clearly providedthe best eye care I've ever received. Being a Florida resident I scheduled my visits when home. Many times he sacrificed his lunch break to work me in. He was more than a great eye doctor I considered him a friend which indeed he was.
Tremendous loss for Kentland and all who knew him.
Wishing symphathy and peace for Doc's family, and of course it helps to know Dr. Reed has gone to a better place.
RIP "Doc" Reed
Pamela Terrell-Hartman
April 18, 2018
Such a good hearted person. His legacy his wonderful family. He will certainly be missed. Sincerely
Scheryl Alexander
April 18, 2018
Doc was truly a one if a kind, one of the greatest men I have known. Every time I would chat with Doc he would ask about my girls, will miss his his humor and love him always. My condolences to the Reed family.
Kellen Murphy
April 18, 2018
He was a great coach, a great doctor, and an even better friend. One of my favorite people Ive ever had the pleasure to call a friend. I will miss him greatly and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Carol Deno
April 18, 2018
He will be missed by our community! Hold on to your memories! He was a wonderful man to know always had positive things to say about everything. I will be thinking about the family!
Marilyn Ralston and family
April 18, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 18, 2018
Dr. Reed has been a part of my familys life for about 35 years. He was my eye doctor and then my childrens. He asked about Justin and Jocelyn every time I saw him. He always said they were wonderful kids with a wonderful mom. Now Im saying what a wonderful man he was and how lucky we were to have him in our life. Thank you Doc for every time you would fit us in for emergencies and all your praises. You will be dearly missed!
Nancy Loy
April 18, 2018
He was a kind and great doctor , always took time for you .
Patricia Mercker
April 18, 2018
Dr. Reed was a good person before he was anything else. He cared for people as if everyone was the only one that mattered at that time. I consider myself lucky to have made his acquaintance.
Russ and Susan Lillig
April 18, 2018
Doc was a great man , always looked forward to my appointment's . He took care of my wife and I as well as my dad. We spoke highly of him and will miss him . Thoughts and prayers for his family...
Jerry and Sarah Modjeski
April 18, 2018
So sorry for your loss. Doc was a super guy and did so much for our community. He will be truly and deeply missed.
Charles and Donna Hollingswort
April 18, 2018
A great man we have been blessed to know.
Brent Henady
April 18, 2018
Dr. Darrell Reed was one of the great men that I was fortunate enough to have known while growing up. He will be missed by the entire community.
Steve Nagele
April 18, 2018
So sorry for your loss. He was my eye Dr. for many years. He was a very kind person. He will be missed greatly. God bless your family.
Stephanie Morton
April 18, 2018
Dr. Reed was the kindest Dr. he was my family eye dr. Since I was born. He will be missed.
Susan Wiltfang
April 18, 2018
I had the privilege of having Doc Reed as my patient a few years ago. Every single time we ran into one another after that he ALWAYS thanked me for saving his foot I always reminded him I as he always reminded me just doin the job I love, therefore its not work Our community has lost a great man. Until we meet again Doc .
Jennifer (Morton) Roundtree
April 18, 2018
My condolences to Sra. Reed and family. Prayers and thoughts are with you.
Selena Gregory
April 18, 2018
Doc Reed was one of the most generous, kind, friendly, happy people I have ever met. He has been my eye doctor since I moved here in 1998 and I always enjoyed our encounters either at his office or out and about in the community. George and I would like to express our deepest sympathies to his family. Our community has lost a great man.
April 18, 2018
He was my eye doctor fir many years. He was great guy and made you feel like family when you went to see him. He will be very much missed
Ruby Koby
April 18, 2018
So sorry for the loss of Dr. Reed. He was a very, kind and thoughtful doctor. He was my eye doctor for years and also Calvin's. Our thoughts and prayers to the family on the loss of this great man. RIP Dr. Reed
Charley and Phyllis Haldeman
April 18, 2018
Our condolences to the Reed family and our community on the loss of Doc. We will miss our visits in the office and around town. Docs positive attitude and caring for us all is legendary. RIP with our prayers and thanks.
Leslie Sondgeroth
April 18, 2018
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Doc was an amazing eye doctor, he was my eye doctor for 32 years. I am going to miss going to see him every year and hear his stories about his family and travels! He will be missed greatly. Hugs to all the family.
Kim McCauley
April 18, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Reed. He was just a big part of growing up for me in Kentland. I have such great memories of getting new glasses and my first pair of aqua contacts from his office. I loved riding my bike out to the Reed house while they were on vacation to feed and play with Rojo. And l really enjoyed making him and my mom both giant glasses of sweet tea that I would very carefully carry all the way down to his office in the summers. I remember thinking about going into IU's optometry school and Dr. Reed gave me a great start with the required high school classes I would need to take. When I doubted myself, he would say, "Kim, what do you call a doctor at the bottom of their class? ... a Doctor." Not that Dr. Reed would know what it was like to be at the bottom of anything, he stood out and above, a true one of a kind. He had such a trusting presence and you always knew he listened to everything you told him. How much fun it was to be sandwiched in the middle of Austina and Darren in school and then to have Señora Reed for a bit in high school. Even after all these years, when we drive through Kentland, long after we moved away, I will still look for that cute little Fiero and be so thankful that I knew that special Doc who gave me the famous emergency $10 way back when. He did a great job of making people feel special and remembered and I will always take that piece of him with me and try to honor him in that way.
Walter Curry
April 18, 2018
Dear Paula and Family, How sad Walt and I were to hearing of Darrell's passing. He had not only been our eye doc for 30 plus years, he had become a good friend. Although we hadn't seen each other in the last year, we loved our "lengthy" catching up when our paths crossed at Walmart! He will be sorely missed...Blessings to each of you as you go through this process, but what an incredible legacy he leaves for each of you...Dr. Walter and Sylvia Curry
Mike & Sandy Cahill
April 18, 2018
Dr. Reed was a great caring man who didn't know a stranger. Always made it a point to speak with you and ask how your family was. He will be missed by many.
Cathy Trowbridge Clifton
April 18, 2018
My condolences to Paula and the family.
Steve & Linda Thomas
April 18, 2018
DR 'reed was a great man and neighbor. I don't believe he had an enemy in the world. He was the most friendliest and generous man anyone could meet. He will be missed by many. Prayers for the family!!
Dottie Taylor Waldron
April 18, 2018
My prayers for you and yours. Doc was our family optometrist for many years. A great man remembered by alll
Deb Smart
April 18, 2018
Dr Reed was one of those people that you want everyone to know! What an awesome man! And being my eye doctor for almost 30 years- this man saved my sight in 1997....Will be deeply missed!!!!!
Annette Straley
April 18, 2018
We are sorry to hear about Dr. Reed, he was a wonderful person, who really cared about his patients. I want to send my prayers to his family....
April 17, 2018
Dr. Reed will be missed terribly. He was an awesome man!!
Rich & Jane Robins
April 17, 2018
We are so sorry to hear about Darrell. He was a classmate of ours and played basketball with Rich. Our prayers are with all the family. Rich and Jane Robins.
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