Paul Edward Reed, of Edwardsburg, passed away peacefully the morning of Nov. 16, 2021, at the age of 91, at least 17 years after his Alzheimer's onset. The sweet Paul began life Feb. 8, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the second son born to Frank Edward and Laurel Elben Reed.
We are all quite certain that upon arrival at the Pearly Gates, when God asks, "Hey Paul, how are you doing?" Paul's response will be, "Fat and sassy, and ornery as hell! BTW … how about a Bloomer Dropper, Dewars and Drambuie?
At the age of 7, the family moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California where on the farm the boys learned the value of hard work. His mother Laurel taught school in Angels Camp, while his father Frank worked for Safeway in Jackson. Eventually, his parents moved to the tiny country town of Mokelumne Hill, California, where they purchased a small grocery store. Paul and brother Frank logged many hours at the store with their parents.
Athletic Paul, played football and basketball at Calaveras County High School in San Andreas. Upon graduation in 1947, he passed all the exams and was appointed to West Point; he was however rejected due to a leg being ½ inch shorter than the other.
He then entered Cal State in Stockton, but on a whim shortly after his 18th birthday, he and his buddy decided to join the United States Army to see the world. He graduated from The Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and from there was assigned to the U.S. Army Security Agency with the 326th Communication and Reconnaissance Company. He served his time in Korea and upon his return, on Aug. 29, 1953, Paul married his childhood friend, Sally Jean Brine of Oakland, California. The newlyweds began life together with Paul stationed in Petaluma, California, at Two Rock Ranch Station where he served the balance of his six-year enlistment.
Paul continued his education by taking night classes at Lincoln Extension Institute and earned his degree in Industrial Management.
During their early years of marriage Paul began working for Eugene Dietzgen, a German-based survey equipment and paper manufacturing company.
Seven years later he was asked to relocate to Southern California as foreman of Dietzgen's ElSegundo plant. He completed another degree at West Coast University School of Engineering. His troubleshooting abilities, dedication and leadership skills were again recognized, and in 1969 Paul was asked to become Plant Manager for the Elkhart, Indiana, branch of Dietzgen.
Sally and Paul looked at the move as an adventure and "pitched" it as such to the children.
Years later, when Dietzgen closed their Elkhart division, Paul took a position that would once again expand his skill set, when he was asked to create and execute a plan that would keep the flailing Talma Fastener from certain closure. As 25 percent owner and with a little help from a tornado that decimated Talma, Paul was able to completely turn the business around around and after just a few years was let go.
Paul then went to work for Bruce Marshall at Intertek International, where he oversaw the operations of several small businesses and learned the process of import and export.
One of those small businesses was about to close, but recognizing the potential, he and Sally seized the moment and purchased that tiny company. Jon-Di became Fasnap Corp. and together they worked day and night to build the business on integrity, fair pricing and same or next day service.
As time passed, Paul developed a keen interest in genealogy and was able to trace his roots back to Sgt. Wyatt Wollcott, of the Albany County Regiment, New York Militia, in the Revolutionary War. Paul took great pride in his membership as a Son of the American Revolution.
Sally's Paul was known for his sweet yet humorous little "ditties" (poems), his ornery smile while driving the boat when he threw riders off the tube, sending them "skipping across the water like a stone." Among the many remembrances the family enjoy are his stories about popping Jell-O shots and flicking sugar packets while waiting for his restaurant breakfast. With a smile on her face, Sally recalls their key to a successful marriage was their agreement that whoever filed for divorce had to take all four children and the two dogs.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his older brother Frank and grandson Nathan Reed.
Surviving are wife, Sally; and four children, Linda (George) Sharpe, Cindy Reed (Patty Brademas), Douglas (Cathy) Reed and Steven Reed. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) VanLeeuwen, Todd (Jennifer) VanLeeuwen, Jena (Jared) Gooding, Michael (Lynne) Reed, Eddie Bowker, Greg Reed and Celeste Reed, as well as great-grandchildren Avery, Kyrie, and Cole VanLeeuwen, Brandon and Gina Bowker, Mason and Reagan Gooding and Alice and Paul Edward Reed.
He was a life member of the Elkhart Elks Club and enjoyed countless rounds of golf at Christiana Creek. He and Sally had many national and international adventures with friends and family.
Having narrowly escaped certain death on eight separate occasions, as we all rejoice in the assurance that this was indeed God's time to bring Paul home.
The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the "COA," 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031, or to Alzheimer's Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home. There will be no visitation and his Celebration of Life will be a family event.
Published by The Elkhart Truth on Nov. 19, 2021.
e-Truth
We are all quite certain that upon arrival at the Pearly Gates, when God asks, "Hey Paul, how are you doing?" Paul's response will be, "Fat and sassy, and ornery as hell! BTW … how about a Bloomer Dropper, Dewars and Drambuie?
At the age of 7, the family moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California where on the farm the boys learned the value of hard work. His mother Laurel taught school in Angels Camp, while his father Frank worked for Safeway in Jackson. Eventually, his parents moved to the tiny country town of Mokelumne Hill, California, where they purchased a small grocery store. Paul and brother Frank logged many hours at the store with their parents.
Athletic Paul, played football and basketball at Calaveras County High School in San Andreas. Upon graduation in 1947, he passed all the exams and was appointed to West Point; he was however rejected due to a leg being ½ inch shorter than the other.
He then entered Cal State in Stockton, but on a whim shortly after his 18th birthday, he and his buddy decided to join the United States Army to see the world. He graduated from The Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and from there was assigned to the U.S. Army Security Agency with the 326th Communication and Reconnaissance Company. He served his time in Korea and upon his return, on Aug. 29, 1953, Paul married his childhood friend, Sally Jean Brine of Oakland, California. The newlyweds began life together with Paul stationed in Petaluma, California, at Two Rock Ranch Station where he served the balance of his six-year enlistment.
Paul continued his education by taking night classes at Lincoln Extension Institute and earned his degree in Industrial Management.
During their early years of marriage Paul began working for Eugene Dietzgen, a German-based survey equipment and paper manufacturing company.
Seven years later he was asked to relocate to Southern California as foreman of Dietzgen's ElSegundo plant. He completed another degree at West Coast University School of Engineering. His troubleshooting abilities, dedication and leadership skills were again recognized, and in 1969 Paul was asked to become Plant Manager for the Elkhart, Indiana, branch of Dietzgen.
Sally and Paul looked at the move as an adventure and "pitched" it as such to the children.
Years later, when Dietzgen closed their Elkhart division, Paul took a position that would once again expand his skill set, when he was asked to create and execute a plan that would keep the flailing Talma Fastener from certain closure. As 25 percent owner and with a little help from a tornado that decimated Talma, Paul was able to completely turn the business around around and after just a few years was let go.
Paul then went to work for Bruce Marshall at Intertek International, where he oversaw the operations of several small businesses and learned the process of import and export.
One of those small businesses was about to close, but recognizing the potential, he and Sally seized the moment and purchased that tiny company. Jon-Di became Fasnap Corp. and together they worked day and night to build the business on integrity, fair pricing and same or next day service.
As time passed, Paul developed a keen interest in genealogy and was able to trace his roots back to Sgt. Wyatt Wollcott, of the Albany County Regiment, New York Militia, in the Revolutionary War. Paul took great pride in his membership as a Son of the American Revolution.
Sally's Paul was known for his sweet yet humorous little "ditties" (poems), his ornery smile while driving the boat when he threw riders off the tube, sending them "skipping across the water like a stone." Among the many remembrances the family enjoy are his stories about popping Jell-O shots and flicking sugar packets while waiting for his restaurant breakfast. With a smile on her face, Sally recalls their key to a successful marriage was their agreement that whoever filed for divorce had to take all four children and the two dogs.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his older brother Frank and grandson Nathan Reed.
Surviving are wife, Sally; and four children, Linda (George) Sharpe, Cindy Reed (Patty Brademas), Douglas (Cathy) Reed and Steven Reed. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) VanLeeuwen, Todd (Jennifer) VanLeeuwen, Jena (Jared) Gooding, Michael (Lynne) Reed, Eddie Bowker, Greg Reed and Celeste Reed, as well as great-grandchildren Avery, Kyrie, and Cole VanLeeuwen, Brandon and Gina Bowker, Mason and Reagan Gooding and Alice and Paul Edward Reed.
He was a life member of the Elkhart Elks Club and enjoyed countless rounds of golf at Christiana Creek. He and Sally had many national and international adventures with friends and family.
Having narrowly escaped certain death on eight separate occasions, as we all rejoice in the assurance that this was indeed God's time to bring Paul home.
The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the "COA," 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031, or to Alzheimer's Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home. There will be no visitation and his Celebration of Life will be a family event.
Published by The Elkhart Truth on Nov. 19, 2021.
e-Truth
Paul Edward Reed, of Edwardsburg, passed away peacefully the morning of Nov. 16, 2021, at the age of 91, at least 17 years after his Alzheimer's onset. The sweet Paul began life Feb. 8, 1930, in Salt Lake City, Utah, and was the second son born to Frank Edward and Laurel Elben Reed.
We are all quite certain that upon arrival at the Pearly Gates, when God asks, "Hey Paul, how are you doing?" Paul's response will be, "Fat and sassy, and ornery as hell! BTW … how about a Bloomer Dropper, Dewars and Drambuie?
At the age of 7, the family moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California where on the farm the boys learned the value of hard work. His mother Laurel taught school in Angels Camp, while his father Frank worked for Safeway in Jackson. Eventually, his parents moved to the tiny country town of Mokelumne Hill, California, where they purchased a small grocery store. Paul and brother Frank logged many hours at the store with their parents.
Athletic Paul, played football and basketball at Calaveras County High School in San Andreas. Upon graduation in 1947, he passed all the exams and was appointed to West Point; he was however rejected due to a leg being ½ inch shorter than the other.
He then entered Cal State in Stockton, but on a whim shortly after his 18th birthday, he and his buddy decided to join the United States Army to see the world. He graduated from The Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and from there was assigned to the U.S. Army Security Agency with the 326th Communication and Reconnaissance Company. He served his time in Korea and upon his return, on Aug. 29, 1953, Paul married his childhood friend, Sally Jean Brine of Oakland, California. The newlyweds began life together with Paul stationed in Petaluma, California, at Two Rock Ranch Station where he served the balance of his six-year enlistment.
Paul continued his education by taking night classes at Lincoln Extension Institute and earned his degree in Industrial Management.
During their early years of marriage Paul began working for Eugene Dietzgen, a German-based survey equipment and paper manufacturing company.
Seven years later he was asked to relocate to Southern California as foreman of Dietzgen's ElSegundo plant. He completed another degree at West Coast University School of Engineering. His troubleshooting abilities, dedication and leadership skills were again recognized, and in 1969 Paul was asked to become Plant Manager for the Elkhart, Indiana, branch of Dietzgen.
Sally and Paul looked at the move as an adventure and "pitched" it as such to the children.
Years later, when Dietzgen closed their Elkhart division, Paul took a position that would once again expand his skill set, when he was asked to create and execute a plan that would keep the flailing Talma Fastener from certain closure. As 25 percent owner and with a little help from a tornado that decimated Talma, Paul was able to completely turn the business around around and after just a few years was let go.
Paul then went to work for Bruce Marshall at Intertek International, where he oversaw the operations of several small businesses and learned the process of import and export.
One of those small businesses was about to close, but recognizing the potential, he and Sally seized the moment and purchased that tiny company. Jon-Di became Fasnap Corp. and together they worked day and night to build the business on integrity, fair pricing and same or next day service.
As time passed, Paul developed a keen interest in genealogy and was able to trace his roots back to Sgt. Wyatt Wollcott, of the Albany County Regiment, New York Militia, in the Revolutionary War. Paul took great pride in his membership as a Son of the American Revolution.
Sally's Paul was known for his sweet yet humorous little "ditties" (poems), his ornery smile while driving the boat when he threw riders off the tube, sending them "skipping across the water like a stone." Among the many remembrances the family enjoy are his stories about popping Jell-O shots and flicking sugar packets while waiting for his restaurant breakfast. With a smile on her face, Sally recalls their key to a successful marriage was their agreement that whoever filed for divorce had to take all four children and the two dogs.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his older brother Frank and grandson Nathan Reed.
Surviving are wife, Sally; and four children, Linda (George) Sharpe, Cindy Reed (Patty Brademas), Douglas (Cathy) Reed and Steven Reed. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) VanLeeuwen, Todd (Jennifer) VanLeeuwen, Jena (Jared) Gooding, Michael (Lynne) Reed, Eddie Bowker, Greg Reed and Celeste Reed, as well as great-grandchildren Avery, Kyrie, and Cole VanLeeuwen, Brandon and Gina Bowker, Mason and Reagan Gooding and Alice and Paul Edward Reed.
He was a life member of the Elkhart Elks Club and enjoyed countless rounds of golf at Christiana Creek. He and Sally had many national and international adventures with friends and family.
Having narrowly escaped certain death on eight separate occasions, as we all rejoice in the assurance that this was indeed God's time to bring Paul home.
The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the "COA," 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031, or to Alzheimer's Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home. There will be no visitation and his Celebration of Life will be a family event.
Published by The Elkhart Truth on Nov. 19, 2021.
e-Truth
We are all quite certain that upon arrival at the Pearly Gates, when God asks, "Hey Paul, how are you doing?" Paul's response will be, "Fat and sassy, and ornery as hell! BTW … how about a Bloomer Dropper, Dewars and Drambuie?
At the age of 7, the family moved to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California where on the farm the boys learned the value of hard work. His mother Laurel taught school in Angels Camp, while his father Frank worked for Safeway in Jackson. Eventually, his parents moved to the tiny country town of Mokelumne Hill, California, where they purchased a small grocery store. Paul and brother Frank logged many hours at the store with their parents.
Athletic Paul, played football and basketball at Calaveras County High School in San Andreas. Upon graduation in 1947, he passed all the exams and was appointed to West Point; he was however rejected due to a leg being ½ inch shorter than the other.
He then entered Cal State in Stockton, but on a whim shortly after his 18th birthday, he and his buddy decided to join the United States Army to see the world. He graduated from The Signal School at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, and from there was assigned to the U.S. Army Security Agency with the 326th Communication and Reconnaissance Company. He served his time in Korea and upon his return, on Aug. 29, 1953, Paul married his childhood friend, Sally Jean Brine of Oakland, California. The newlyweds began life together with Paul stationed in Petaluma, California, at Two Rock Ranch Station where he served the balance of his six-year enlistment.
Paul continued his education by taking night classes at Lincoln Extension Institute and earned his degree in Industrial Management.
During their early years of marriage Paul began working for Eugene Dietzgen, a German-based survey equipment and paper manufacturing company.
Seven years later he was asked to relocate to Southern California as foreman of Dietzgen's ElSegundo plant. He completed another degree at West Coast University School of Engineering. His troubleshooting abilities, dedication and leadership skills were again recognized, and in 1969 Paul was asked to become Plant Manager for the Elkhart, Indiana, branch of Dietzgen.
Sally and Paul looked at the move as an adventure and "pitched" it as such to the children.
Years later, when Dietzgen closed their Elkhart division, Paul took a position that would once again expand his skill set, when he was asked to create and execute a plan that would keep the flailing Talma Fastener from certain closure. As 25 percent owner and with a little help from a tornado that decimated Talma, Paul was able to completely turn the business around around and after just a few years was let go.
Paul then went to work for Bruce Marshall at Intertek International, where he oversaw the operations of several small businesses and learned the process of import and export.
One of those small businesses was about to close, but recognizing the potential, he and Sally seized the moment and purchased that tiny company. Jon-Di became Fasnap Corp. and together they worked day and night to build the business on integrity, fair pricing and same or next day service.
As time passed, Paul developed a keen interest in genealogy and was able to trace his roots back to Sgt. Wyatt Wollcott, of the Albany County Regiment, New York Militia, in the Revolutionary War. Paul took great pride in his membership as a Son of the American Revolution.
Sally's Paul was known for his sweet yet humorous little "ditties" (poems), his ornery smile while driving the boat when he threw riders off the tube, sending them "skipping across the water like a stone." Among the many remembrances the family enjoy are his stories about popping Jell-O shots and flicking sugar packets while waiting for his restaurant breakfast. With a smile on her face, Sally recalls their key to a successful marriage was their agreement that whoever filed for divorce had to take all four children and the two dogs.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his older brother Frank and grandson Nathan Reed.
Surviving are wife, Sally; and four children, Linda (George) Sharpe, Cindy Reed (Patty Brademas), Douglas (Cathy) Reed and Steven Reed. He was blessed with seven grandchildren, Joshua (Ashley) VanLeeuwen, Todd (Jennifer) VanLeeuwen, Jena (Jared) Gooding, Michael (Lynne) Reed, Eddie Bowker, Greg Reed and Celeste Reed, as well as great-grandchildren Avery, Kyrie, and Cole VanLeeuwen, Brandon and Gina Bowker, Mason and Reagan Gooding and Alice and Paul Edward Reed.
He was a life member of the Elkhart Elks Club and enjoyed countless rounds of golf at Christiana Creek. He and Sally had many national and international adventures with friends and family.
Having narrowly escaped certain death on eight separate occasions, as we all rejoice in the assurance that this was indeed God's time to bring Paul home.
The family has requested that memorial donations be made to the "COA," 60525 Decatur Road, Cassopolis, MI 49031, or to Alzheimer's Michigan Great Lakes Chapter, 200 Turwill Lane, Suite 6, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Paul E. Mayhew Funeral Home. There will be no visitation and his Celebration of Life will be a family event.
Published by The Elkhart Truth on Nov. 19, 2021.
e-Truth
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