Eugene Owen "Gene" REED

1928 - 2018

REED, Eugene Owen "Gene"
(Age 89)

Gene was born on October 16, 1928 in Colville, Washington to Mace and Adele (Hart) Reed. His soul entered the joy of Heaven on July 7, 2018. Gene had a brother, Delbert Reed and sister Virginia (Reed) Woods. He attended school in Newport, WA, where showing his strong work ethics, received perfect attendance certificates and lettered in football and track. Before graduating high school in 1946, he took flight lessons, went on to obtain his pilots license and own several planes. Gene then worked on a Prescott, WA wheat ranch driving trucks and a dozer that pulled a harvester. He was drafted into military service in 1950 and chose to serve in the Army. He was stationed at Camp Desert Rock, Nevada; San Marcus, Texas; and Fort Lewis, WA. He was honorably discharged in 1952, returning to Newport. In 1955, Gene married Lois Jean 'Jeanie' Sparks. They celebrated 45 happy years before her death in 2000. Gene worked for Washington State Department of Highways, as the Maintenance Lead Technician where he meticulously plowed snow on miles and miles of highway around Pend Oreille County, namely highways SR20 and SR211. In the summer, he worked on maintaining those same routes and keeping them in tip-top shape as attention to detail was one of his strengths. He retired in 1988. Gene was a dedicated volunteer Newport Fireman and also served as the chief. Gene was active at the Pend Oreille County Museum, serving on the board and being a valuable handyman. Beginning in 2003, Gene (and Alice Owen) enjoyed dinner outings with the Diamond Lake group and worshipping at the American Lutheran Church. Gene is survived by his devoted partner of 15 years, Alice Owen of Newport, sons Gerald Reed (Orlinda), Richard Reed (Janet), daughter Peggy (Reed) Erickson (Dave), sister Virginia Woods, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gene was preceded in death by his wife Jeanie, son Wylie 'Tom' Reed, brother Delbert Reed and parents Mace and Adele Reed. A memorial will be held at the Newport American Lutheran Church (Pastor Matt Goodrich officiating) on Sunday, July 29, 2018 at 2:30pm. Interment will be at a later date. Donations can be made to the Pend Oreille County Historical Society, PO Box 1409, Newport, WA 99156. Please sign the Sherman-Campbell Funeral Services guestbook at shermancampbell.com.