Duane Reed

Duane Reed
September 18, 2022
Puyallup, Washington -
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." - Dr. Seuss
Duane Arthur Reed died at his home in Puyallup on September 18th from esophageal cancer, which took him very quickly. He was surrounded by family and friends and able to die in his own home. He was 89 years old.
Duane was born on May 5, 1933 in Wichita, Kansas. His family traveled to California during the Depression with their belongings in a truck, looking to find work. Music was a bit part of Duane's life. His family performed in church events together and were also heard on the radio. Duane also sang on his own and once sang a lead part in The Messiah in San Francisco as a teenager.
He joined the military and served in Korea and and Germany. In Germany, he and some army buddies started a band, and he met fellow GI Elvis one night during a gig. Elvis sat in and sang the lead on the classic song "'Old Shep,"' one of Duane's favorite stories.
In 1961, while stationed at Fort Lewis, Duane met church organist and teacher Caroline Lennart. They fell in love, married quickly and had two girls, Marcy and Lauri. Soon they moved to Carol's hometown in Whatcom County. Duane got his BA in psychology at the age of 32, while working as the town constable in Everson, and proudly went on to get his Master's of Education at Western..
The Reeds moved to Puyallup, with Carol teaching in Sumner and Duane becoming the school psychologist in Fife. Duane helped many students over the years, serving the grade school, middle school and high school. Duane and Carol continued with their lifelong love of music, performing at weddings, with Carol accompanying Duane. A devoted father, Duane was very involved in the girls' lives, and adored coaching them in softball or watching them perform music.
After living in Ocean Shores for a decade, the Reeds returned to Pierce County. A beloved "Papa", one of Duane's greatest joys was visiting the grandkids on Vashon, sitting near the fire in winter and out on the deck in the spring and fall, enjoying the commotion, playing Hearts and telling tall tales.
Duane will be remembered for his love of family and friends, how he always was there when he was needed and how he provided a strong shoulder to people. He showed the difference a good man can make in the world.
Duane is survived by wife Carol, daughters Marcy and Lauri, son-in-law Bob, grandchildren Emma, Lilly and Will Hennessey, sister Shirley Miller and many friends. Donations in his name can be made to your local hospice organization. He also was involved in the United Methodist Church of Sumner and donations can be made there. A celebrate of life will be held at the United Methodist Church of Sumner on December 27th at 11 a.m..