Cornelius Fellows Reed Jr

Cornelius Fellows Reed Jr, 88, of Wolcott and Essex Junction, Vermont passed away peacefully on September 22, 2025. Born in Wolcott, to Cornelius Reed Sr and Evelyn Bedell on May 21, 1937. He graduated from People's Academy in 1955. Cornelius had a long and distinguished career in public service.

Cornelius' career started modestly, working in construction and driving a milk truck. He then served in the US Army for two years and was a Vermont State Police Trooper for 26 years, rising to the rank of sergeant.

Cornelius was a small business entrepreneur, owning his own mowing and rototilling business, CF Reed and Son, with his son Bud, for 50+ years, helping residents in the towns of Wolcott and Essex Junction and everywhere in between.

He also served as doorkeeper for Vermont State House, maintaining good order in the legislative chambers. He held the distinguished honor of being longest serving doorkeeper, for 25 years. Vermont House Concurrent Resolution 160 was passed in May 2022, honoring the General Assembly's venerable head doorkeeper. This bill was sponsored by all 180 members of Vermont House and Senate.

Cornelius was a jovial and helpful representative, working at the Champlain Valley Fair for 39 years. In the early years, he proudly represented Monty, the talking police car, making children smile. He assisted with so many things at the fair including set up and tear down. He was treasured by all and well-known as he rode around the fairgrounds in his golfcart, offering assistance with a smile.

He served as President of both the Vermont Retired Troopers Association and Vermont Retired State Employees Association, as well as Commissioner of the Wolcott Cemetery and is a former Justice of the Peace in Wolcott.

In his younger years, Cornelius loved to go camping with his wife Jane and their grandsons. Lake Willoughby was a favorite place to go, to take in all the beauty nature had to offer.

Cornelius was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, proudly keeping friends and colleagues updated on all their achievements.

More recently, Cornelius could be found doting on his great granddaughters, taking joy in their giggles and watching them grow.

Predeceased by his parents, Cornelius Sr. and Evelyn, and his brothers, Eddie, Harvey and Fred.

He is survived by his wife and love of his life, Jane Wimble, his children, Todd Wimble (Tali), Bud (Lanette) and Kimberley and his sister Sally Small (Everett). Loved by his grandchildren, Nakota Reed, Ryan Wimble (Erin), and Tyler Wimble and the apples of his eyes, great granddaughters Fiona Wimble and Lennon Wimble.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church in Essex Junction. Visiting hours will be held on Monday October 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the hour of services at 6:00 p.m. in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion at the Champlain Valley Exposition. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family in the family lot in Fairmont Cemetery, Wolcott.