Jerry Reed

Jerry Reed

1933 – 2019

Jerry Reed was a kindhearted man who was loved by his family and friends and who will always be cherished. He was born April 5, 1933 in Hobart, Oklahoma. He passed away Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 86 years old, surrounded by those who were precious to him.

First and foremost, he loved the Lord. He loved Gloria, his wife of 62 years, and his three daughters with all his heart. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren fiercely. They were his pride and joy!

His hobby was woodworking and carpentry. He could build most anything, and if he didn’t know how, he set out to teach himself. He crafted small gift items for family and friends, picnic tables and cornhole game sets, a backyard playset and fort for his grandkids, and even a large three-room addition to the back of their family home. Fond memories were made with his grandkids in his workshop. And he felt just as comfortable with a hammer and nails in his hands as he did walking. So, when you find a loose nail, pick it up and think of him as he may have dropped it.

Jerry grew up with his family in Hobart. After attending high school there, Jerry joined the United States Army where he proudly served from 1953 to 1955. Later he continued his service as a citizen-soldier and member of the Oklahoma National Guard for nearly 20 years, from 1974 to 1993.

Following his service in the Army, Jerry returned to Hobart and it was there that a friend arranged a double date and introduced him to the love of his life. He and Gloria married on March 31, 1957 and shortly after moved to Edmond, Oklahoma where Jerry attended Central State College (now University of Central Oklahoma) and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting.

Following graduation, Jerry went to work as an accountant with Kerr McGee Corporation in Oklahoma City where he had an esteemed career for nearly 20 years. Upon leaving the corporate world, Jerry took his strong work ethic and gregarious nature to the U.S. Postal Service where he worked as a mail carrier in Edmond for the next 20 years. Jerry was a gracious man and he carried a bowl of hard candy in his mail truck to offer to the children along his route, many of whom grew fond of meeting him near their mailboxes, anxiously awaiting his friendly smile and special treat as he delivered their mail.

Never one to sit still for long, Jerry worked at Wal-Mart part time during retirement and was always busy at home. He was handy and skilled, regularly taking on home improvements and always fixing things so that “nothing ever stayed broken” at Jerry’s house.

Jerry never met a person in need he wouldn’t help. He turned acquaintances into friends everywhere he went, offering a loving smile, kind words, and a helping hand. Friends and family regularly gathered at the Reed home. He worked hard to bring joy to others, serving them when he could or gifting them with something special he made in his workshop.

Jerry believed service to others was not only a calling but also an opportunity, and he volunteered his time and efforts for countless hours throughout his life. He was a 20-gallon blood donor with the Oklahoma Blood Institute. He was active in his church, serving as a deacon and in many other capacities, showing Christ’s love to others. He also volunteered to help those in need at Edmond’s Hope Center Food Pantry. And, for 16 years straight, he volunteered at Breakfast on Boulevard, helping their mission to provide hot breakfasts and sack lunches to all who are hungry in Edmond.

Jerry and his family attended Waterloo Road Baptist Church where he was an active member, truly living out a servant’s heart. A man of unwavering faith, he was a true disciple for Christ. His favorite Bible verse was Ephesians 2:8-9, which reads: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” KJV

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Joe Reed, his mother, Ida Lora (Sweet) Reed, and his brother, Dale Reed. He is survived by his loving wife Gloria, his three daughters: Bev Reed, Linda Lojka and her husband Jerry, and Lisa Doyle and her husband Jon, all of Edmond. Also surviving are his five grandchildren: Nathan Redick and his wife Krystal, Kaleb Redick, Josie Reed, and Will and Peyton Doyle, his three great grandchildren: Liam, Caiden, and Jacob, and close friends that were just like family, Jenny King of Yukon, her children Trey King, Brittany Keys and her husband Justin, and grandchildren Nehemiah and Lilliana.

A service will be held at Waterloo Road Baptist Church on Tuesday, August 20 at 10:00 A.M., with interment to follow at Gracelawn Cemetery.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, August 19 from 1:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., with a formal visitation from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Matthews Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Breakfast on Boulevard.