Vestus “Gene” Reed
March 17th, 1929 - January 24th, 2022
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Gene's Obituary
Vestus E. “Gene” Reed, 92, of Benton Harbor, passed away on January 24, 2022.
Gene was born on March 17, 1929, to Rufus & Gracie (Hawkins) Reed in Bradford, AR. He enlisted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country until being honorably discharged. On August 15, 1952, Gene married the love of his life Oretha Kizer in Benton Harbor. They were happily married 63 years until her passing in 2016. Gene built his family’s home and enjoyed taking care of his property. After retirement, they moved to “The Villas” in Benton Harbor where Gene enjoyed driving their golf cart and three wheeled bike around the neighborhood and talking with their neighbors. They also enjoyed wintering in Florida.
Gene is survived by his children, Linda (Gary Benson) Reed of St. Joseph, Steven Reed of Benton Harbor, and Lisa (Mark) Ryno of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Ryan Meisner, Sara (Chris) Utz, Melissa (Cutty) Littell, Brandon (Lindsay) Ryno, and Stevie Reed; great-grandchildren, Colin, Emma, Todd, Ella, Sofia, Wyatt, Abigale, Michael and Chloe.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife Oretha Reed; and siblings, RJ Reed and Everett “Pete” Reed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
Gene was born on March 17, 1929, to Rufus & Gracie (Hawkins) Reed in Bradford, AR. He enlisted into the United States Army where he proudly served his country until being honorably discharged. On August 15, 1952, Gene married the love of his life Oretha Kizer in Benton Harbor. They were happily married 63 years until her passing in 2016. Gene built his family’s home and enjoyed taking care of his property. After retirement, they moved to “The Villas” in Benton Harbor where Gene enjoyed driving their golf cart and three wheeled bike around the neighborhood and talking with their neighbors. They also enjoyed wintering in Florida.
Gene is survived by his children, Linda (Gary Benson) Reed of St. Joseph, Steven Reed of Benton Harbor, and Lisa (Mark) Ryno of Benton Harbor; grandchildren, Ryan Meisner, Sara (Chris) Utz, Melissa (Cutty) Littell, Brandon (Lindsay) Ryno, and Stevie Reed; great-grandchildren, Colin, Emma, Todd, Ella, Sofia, Wyatt, Abigale, Michael and Chloe.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents; wife Oretha Reed; and siblings, RJ Reed and Everett “Pete” Reed.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation, 191 Waukegan Road, Suite 105, Northfield, IL 60093. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 269-556-9450.
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