Wayne Reed

Wayne Allen Reed was born June 9, 1926 to Erma (Hawkins) and Gilbert Ernest Reed on their farm west of Red Cloud, Nebraska. He departed this life on August 5, 2021 at the Webster County Community Hospital in Red Cloud.

Following graduated from the Red Cloud High School, Wayne was drafted into the United States Army. While undergoing basic training in Texas, World War II ended and he was assigned to Army occupation forces in Japan until his discharge in 1946.

Prior to his deployment overseas, Wayne married JoAnne Reed of Guide Rock, where they resided until his death. During their 76-year marriage they had three daugthers, Diane Reed of Arlington, Virginia and Mary Susanne Wohlers (Gary) of Louisville, Nebraska. Their third daughter, Dixie, preceded Wayne in death in 1969.

Wayne had a busy and diverse work career. A long time farmer, he also raised cattle, including registered herefords, drove a caterpillar and semi-trucks, owned beehives, and was a skilled carpenter who operated his own sawmill. In the 1960’s he served six years as police marshall in Guide Rock.  He was gifted with a natural talent as a musician who could play the organ, keyboard, fiddle, harmonica, guitar and ukulele. He was an avid reader who especially enjoyed western literature.

Among other hobbies, Wayne loved to travel and was an excellent baker. In his early 90’s, he successfully completed certification as a ham radio operator.

For many years he attended the Methodist Church and was a member of the Masonic Temple of Guide Rock.

In addition to his wife and two daughters, he is survived by four grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at the Williams Funeral Home in Red Cloud. Interment with military honors will be at the Red Cloud Cemetery.

Williams Funeral Home
241 West 4th Avenue
Red Cloud, Nebraska  68970

Phone 402-746-2500
williamsfuneralhomes@yahoo.com

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