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BORN
1942
DIED
2023
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Bill Reed Obituary
Bill Reed
Bill Reed passed away peacefully on August 12th, 2023. He was born in Missoula, MT to Edward and Bernice Reed on November 22, 1942. He attended Whittier grade School and graduated from Missoula County High School in 1961.
It was during his high school years that he met his future wife, Janet. They were married on June 17th, 1961. Together they welcomed two sons, Willie and David. They enjoyed 60+ years together before Janet's passing in 2021.
Bill began his career as a police officer in October of 1965 with the Missoula Police Department. In 1967 he was drafted and served as an MP in the Army during the Vietnam war until his discharge in1969 at which time he resumed his employment with the MPD. Bill retired as a patrol captain in October of 1985 after serving the community he called home his entire life. After leaving the Police Department he began working in security at Stone Container until he retired in 2005.
Bill took great pride in his work and any responsibility he accepted, whether it was leading a team of patrol officers or coaching a little league team to victory. He never gave anything less than 100% of himself and it reflected in how he approached life. He served as Post Commander for the VFW Post 209 from 1978 to 1983 and was honored as an All-American Post Commander for 1979-1980. He also coached two state champion Little League teams in the mid 1970's and always delighted in retelling those special memories in his life.
He enjoyed golfing, putting together 1000-piece puzzles (999 actually, as most times one of his sons or grandkids would hide one piece on him), and he was an avid Grizzly football fan, attending a home game every now and then. Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Always very proud of their accomplishments, he took great pride when boasting to friends and sometimes even strangers. Just another day in the life of a happy grandparent knowing he'd had a part in their success.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents and two sisters Jodi and Sue. He is survived by his two sons; Willie (Laura) and David (Donna); Siblings Charlene (Dave) Stermitz, George (Sharon) Reed, Ed (Lou) Reed, Daryl (Barb) Reed, sister-in-Law Carol (Bob) Boushele, Brother-in-Law Gene (Theresa) Goforth as well as several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind his special friend Helen, whom we are forever grateful for the companionship, kindness and presence in Bill's life the past two years. Your friendship meant the world to him.
Bill, we know you and Janet are up there at one of your infamous Tiki bars, drinking your Crown, standing for the national Anthem, cheering on your Grizzlies and lighting up the dance floor. Thank you for your service to our great county and community. We love and miss you both.
A small graveside service will be held Thursday September 7th, 2023, at the Missoula Veterans Cemetery. Friends are invited to attend a celebration of Bill's life at 3:00 PM at the Linda Vista Golf Course Event Center located at 4915 Lower Miller Creek Rd. Dress is casual. We look forward to seeing everyone there.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Reed
Sponsored by Whitesitt Funeral Home.
Rita Bolton
February 14, 2025
Bill was a friend in school and later. Many good times were shared with his wife and sister in law and families. A very special person
Michael McCullough
October 11, 2023
I got to know Bill beginning in our high school years. His distinguished career with the Missoula Police Dept., and Army service in Viet Nam left no question about his love for our country. My condolences go to the Reed family for your loss. As one veteran to another, rest in peace, Bill.
Rita Bolton
September 10, 2023
It was a great honor to spend time with Bill and Janet. They were both so fun and inspiring!!
Rob Jasperson
September 7, 2023
All of us Jaspersons new Bill from the North Side and during his career with the police department. He was a good man and we really respected him. Our condolences to the Reed family. We will miss him.
Joanne Reed Richardson
September 7, 2023
Bill was a second father to me for many years. I barely have a teenage or young mother memory without him, bossing us around the cabin.. he was a great influence to my sons, and was always solid and steady. Mini memories that policeman`s balls or holiday dinners over at my folks`s house in his later years he was very fun to visit with recant out old memories..
He has been a wonderful grandfather, and has always been active in the boys life. Glad he and Janet are back having adventures. He will be missed.
Joanne Reed Richardson
September 7, 2023
Bill was a great father to me for many years. I barely have a young teen memory without him in it bossing us around at the cabin. He was a wonderful
" Heidi papa" and an influence on my sons. Later years he was just as great to visit with.
May he and Janet continue their adventures forever.
Doug and Guy Chase
September 6, 2023
Bill was a friend,fellow worker and graduated with my wife Guy from Sentinel High School. He wore many hats and contributed to our communities betterment in many ways and loved to coach Missoulas youth to win two Championship baseball teams as their coach ,mentor ,friend as well as Bill exhibiting a love for his community,it´s youth,his family throughout the many ways he involved himself with the many friends he made over the years .He coached little league baseball bring home 2 championship for his teams as well as Missoulian´s .Bill also was a great public servant as a police officer for two decades plus.
Bill Read will be long remembered by the lives he touched in his lifetime
Jacqueline R Wood
September 5, 2023
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Reed family. I have very fond memories all the Reeds. They took me in when I was very young, and treated me like family. My heart goes out to Bill and his
loved ones. Sincerely, Jackie Wood
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