Reed McKinley Brotzman

Reed McKinley Brotzman, who celebrated his 63rd birthday on June 15, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, June 27, 2011.

Mr. Brotzman was born in Pine Bluff, Ark. on June 15, 1948, the son of the late William and Allie Florence Brotzman.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Myers of Ocean City, New Jersey; three sons Nathaniel Brotzman and wife Lenea of Lynchburg, Virginia, Verien Brotzman of Philadelphia, Pa., and Thane Brotzman of Laceyville, Pennsylvania. Also surviving are three grandchildren: Josef, Jaelyn, and Joscelyn Brotzman; and his former wife Nancy Hallock of Linthicum, MD.

Mr. Brotzman was an elder of New Hope Ministries in West Auburn and a board member of El Rancho De Paz in Owego, New York.

Growing up, Reed was a world traveler having lived several places including Morocco, Greece, and Hawaii. He was a graduate of Newport News High School, Newport News, Virginia. Upon graduation he attended Covenant College and Christopher Newport University before entering the United States Army to serve in the Vietnam Conflict. After serving his country he became a certified deep sea rescue diver based out of Florida. Later, he moved to Laceyville, Pa. where he worked for 31 years at Proctor and Gamble.

After retiring, he rekindled his passion for traveling by visiting such places as Kiev and Sumy, Ukraine and making multiple mission trips to Khabarovsk and Sakhalin Island, Russia to complete church construction projects and held children's Bible camps. He also enjoyed performing with Golden Days of Radio Players in Tunkhannock.

A memorial service will be held at 6:30 p.m. at New Hope Ministries in West Auburn on June 30, with a fellowship dinner to follow. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make memorial donations to the New Hope Ministries Church, 1575 SR 367, Laceyville, PA 18623. Arrangements were made through the Sheldon Funeral Home, Main St., Laceyville.