David Edward Reed, 67, Swayzee, lost his 5-year battle with cancer at 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2016, in his home. He was born in Marion, Indiana, to the late Cedric Eugene and Vella Blanche (Milroy) Reed. On July 31, 1971, David married Gloria J. Schaaf, and she survives.
David was a 1966 graduate of Oak Hill High School and a proud disabled United States Army Veteran. He served during the Vietnam War and achieved the rank of Specialist 4. He was an M14 Sharpshooter and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. Following his military service, David was a repairman for Chrysler Transmission Plant in Kokomo, where he retired in 2000 after 32 years of service. He volunteered at the Swayzee Fire Department for 25 years and was a member of the American Legion in Van Buren.
The happiest days in David’s life were when his daughters were born. He loved to bowl, play cards, solve jigsaw puzzles, and collect glassware and paper weights. More than anything, David loved swimming in the pool with his grandchildren. They said he did the best cannonball and sent all of the water out of the pool!
Loved ones David leaves behind include his wife, Gloria, of 44 years; children, Tamara R. (Christopher) Bledsoe, Swayzee, and Kimberly M. (Darr) Lawson, Kokomo; grandchildren, Emma, Evan, Wyatt, Reid, and Rylee; several friends and extended family; his Swayzee UMC family and Sycamore Friends Church family; and his dogs, Copper and Ginger.
Visitation is from 3-8 p.m. on Thursday, June 30, 2016, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, Rybolt Chapel, 314 N. Washington St., Swayzee, IN 46986.
Services to celebrate David’s life are at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the funeral home with Pastor Jesse Vore officiating. Burial will follow at Thrailkill Cemetery, Swayzee.
Memorials may be directed to Sycamore Friends Church, 1148 N. 1100 E., Greentown, IN 46936.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.