Michael Reed

Michael Franklin Reed, known by most as Mickey, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, at the age of 78 years old.

Born in Monroe, Louisiana, Mickey spent his childhood playing baseball and basketball. In high school he lettered in track and field as a pole-vaulter. After graduating from Ouachita High School, he went to work at Olin Kraft Paper Mill. Soon after, on the verge of being drafted, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and married his sweetheart, Clara. He fought in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Purple Heart. After the Service, he returned to his work at the paper mill where after 25 years of employment, he retired. He went on to work at another paper mill for fifteen years. Following his second retirement, he enjoyed retired living on Caney Lake.

Mickey loved his life. He loved spending time with people, laughing, reminiscing. He loved good food and had more than a bit of a sweet tooth. He loved music ballads and would break out his guitar and get everyone singing along to sad songs. He loved the woods and for years spent his days off during deer season at The Camp in Arkansas. He loved the water: skiing and fishing. He loved playing golf and watching it on TV. He was a million-miler frequent flyer. He enjoyed solving the USA Today crossword puzzles.

Mickey committed his heart to Jesus Christ and was baptized in Central Baptist Church, Monroe, Louisiana. He loved his family and worked hard to provide for them.

He was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Reed, mother, Katie Reed, sister, Judy Brown, brother-in-law James Walden, sister-in-law Carolyn Duckworth.

Mickey is survived and loved by his wife of 59 years Clara Reed, daughter Tara Thomas, son-in-law Todd Thomas, son Casey Reed, daughter-in-law Renee Reed and eight grandchildren: Drew King, Samuel Thomas, Camila Thomas, Caroline Reed, Isabelle Reed, Brett King, Brooklyn King, and Jack Thomas, brother-in-law, Eddie Brown, brother-in-law Tommy Duckworth Jr, and sister-in-law Carolyn Walden.

A memorial service will take place at Griffin Funeral Home, West Monroe on Saturday, September 13, 2025, visitation is from 12:00 – 2:00 – and service is at 2:00. Todd Thomas is officiating. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the North La. War Veterans Home.