Kenneth Joe Reed, 65, of Olney, Illinois and formerly of Fort Branch, died from complications due to lung cancer Tuesday, June 30, at Roudebush Veterans Administration Hospital in Indianapolis. At the time of death, he was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren.

He was born June 26, 1950, in Fort Branch, son of Ermal W. and Fern A. (Thompson) Reed.

He married Sharon Reed May 27, 2006, in Red Hill, Illinois. She survives.

He volunteered for service in the Vietnam War, where he served bravely and was exposed to Agent Orange, which ultimately led to his death.

He grew up in Fort Branch, the baby of the family, and developed a love for simple living and fishing.

If you ever met Joe, he probably invited you over for dinner. If you were lucky, it was a trash can dinner.

He loved to work with wood and he loved his dog Jazz. He also liked his music jazzy.

He had a practical outlook on life, which led him to believe that every problem had a solution. He could fix, or learn to fix, anything. He believed in love and that everyone deserved their own happiness, so he remarkably held no grudges, and found compassion for people when others could find none.

For that principle, he was loved. He liked his food lightly seasoned so he could taste the nature. He liked his wine sweet.

He made plans, even after diagnosis, which led to a full and fruitful life.

Joe is survived by wife Sharon; daughters Nina Hoffman and husband Paul of Indianapolis, and Sierra Kiger and husband Travis of Bloomington, Illinois; stepchildren Toni Perkins and Brad Cates and wife Michelle, all of Terre Haute.

He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Brianna, Trevor, Trenton, Adalynn, Alexander, Spencer, Tyler, and Ellis.

Surviving siblings include Bobby Woods, Sandy Justus and husband O.J, sister-in-law Donna Reed, sister-in-law Vicki Ballard and husband Steve, and brother-in-law Rich Swarens and wife Cheryl.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Ermal “Ray” Reed, Herb Reed, infant Michael Reed, and sister, Joyce Mason. Also, by his dearly beloved dog Ace.

Summers-Kistler Funeral Home in Olney is in charge of arrangements. Funeral services are at 1 p.m. Monday, July 6 at the funeral home, with visitation two hours prior to the service.

Burial with military rites follows at Maple Dale Cemetery, Minister Mark Krell officiating.