Submitted by: Dan Rich

Lester Reed

Aug. 1, 1921 - Dec. 19, 2001

South Bend Tribune 12/21/2001

Lester "Arky" Reed, 80, of Milburn Court, Mishawaka, Ind., passed away at 7:35 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 19, in Hospice House, South Bend, Ind. "Arky" was born on Aug. 1, 1921, in Winslow, Ark., as the son of the late John and Fannie (Vault) Reed. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Elvis and Ted Reed; a sister, Dora; two half sisters, Lucy and Bea; four half brothers, Albert, Wayne, August and Braskel Reed.

"Arky" was married to the former Norma Watkins on June 17, 1947, in Washington. Norma passed away on July 9, 1993, after 46 years together. He is survived by his daughter, Denise Laroche of Walls Lake, Mich.; three sons, James L. (Jean) of South Bend, Jerry D. (Janis) of Glendale, Ariz., and John (Lisa) of Mishawaka; 15 grandchildren, Kelly, Jamie, Aaron, Paul, Jill, Jason, Justin, Danielle, Mark, Jeanine, Johnny, Mellissa, Brice, Becky and Daniel; several great-grandchildren; five stepchildren, Linda, Rose, Dennis, Mary and Judy; and by 18 step-grandchildren. "Arky" is also survived by his second wife, Geraldine; a sister, Jane Coleman of Little Rock, Ark.; and by extra-special friends whom he considered like family, Mike (Kelly) Jones, Kathy Humes and Reba Groove.

"Arky" worked as a wood pattern maker for Dodge for 37 years before retiring in 1986. He was a United States Army veteran. He was a member of VFW Post 360, Mishawaka, and was a past member of American Legion Post 161, Mishawaka.

Friends may call from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, Dec. 21, in the Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 22, in the Hahn Funeral Home. Rev. Don Neely will be officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Contributions may be made in memory of "Arky" to Hospice House of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637-3437