Obituary of Dean Max Reed

Dean "Max" Reed Dean "Max" Reed, 98, passed away Monday, May 9, 2016 at his home in Buckhannon. He was born on July 26, 1917 in Buckhannon to parents Frank E. Reed and Eva (née Dean) Reed who preceded him in death, along with four brothers; Eugene, Ray, Rex, and Arnold. Also preceding him in death was his beloved wife, Avis Maxine Reed (née Beer). They were married on November 9, 1946 in Buckhannon. They enjoyed 66 lovingly married years together watching their children and grandchildren grow, traveling, and being active members within their church and throughout the community until Avis' passing on December 8, 2012. Surviving him are sons, Terry Reed and wife Laura of Buckhannon, W.V. and Rodney Reed and Deborah of Calgary, Canada. Known adoringly to his seven grandchildren as "Poppers", surviving him are grandsons, Mark Reed of Buckhannon, Austin Tyler Reed and Jordan Reed both of Nashville, TN and granddaughters, Kimberly Reed of Washington, D.C., Allison Reed and husband Sam Garza of Nashville, Meghan Gordon (née Reed) and husband Jeremy Gordon of Virginia Beach, VA, and Ashley Reed of Greensboro, N.C. Max served as Staff Sergeant in the United States Army on the USAHS Emily H. M. Weder in the European and Pacific Theaters of World War II. After leaving the Army, Max began his career at Columbia Gas. He retired in 1982 as the local manager. He was a member of the Mt. Hope Methodist Church for nearly 70 years, enjoying his time most when serving as superintendent and leading bible studies with his beloved church family. A very active member of the community, he was a charter member of both the Tennerton Lions Club and V.F.W. Post 3663 as well as a member of the Frank B. Bartlett Post #7 American Legion, Knights of Pythias, a former member of the Buckhannon Rotary Club, served as the first president of the Mt. Hope Water Association and never missed a Mountaineers or Pirates game on television. The Reed family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Hymes and Coonts; Joan, Lisa, Cheri, Lynn, and Carol for their help during this time and to Joyce McCartney, Debbie Page, Mary Albaugh, and Linda Smith for the loving and compassionate care they provided for Max. Friends will be received Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 6:30 to 9 PM at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home. A funeral service will be 2 PM Sunday at the funeral home with Pastor Bob Anderson and Rev. Donald Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery in Buckhannon. The Upshur County Honor Guard will conduct military honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Mt. Hope Cemetery Fund c/o Arita Wilfong, 55 Pine Lane, Buckhannon, WV 26201. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.