Robert L. Reed

Mr. Robert Lewis Reed, 87, of rural Lomax, IL passed away at 2:55 PM Sunday, January 25, 2015 at his home. He was born on January 15, 1928 in the Fountain Green township to Mervin and Ruth George Reed. On August 24, 1952 he married Martha Bennett at the LaHarpe Christian Church.

Robert attended the LaHarpe High School for two years, and then finished high school in Terre Haute, IL, graduating with the class of 1947. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.

Bob Spent his entire life as a self-employed farmer and focused his efforts on the conservation of the soil and environment. He was a member of the Terre Haute Fire Department for 58 years, serving as Fire Chief for a majority of that time. He received accommodations and awards for his service as a volunteer. He was elected to the Terre Haute Township Road Commissioner for eight years. Bob was a member of the LaHarpe Christian Church and served in many capacities. He was a board member of the La Moine Christian Service Camp and participated in Promise Keepers events. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, one daughter, Sue Ellen Lay of Mascoutah, IL, one son, Scott (Nichole) Reed of LaHarpe, IL, two grandchildren, Allison and Zachary Lay of Mascoutah, IL and one great-grandchild, Isaac.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Jeffrey, step-father Otto Jones, one sister, Nellie Bennett, and one brother, George Reed.

Services will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the LaHarpe Christian Church with Nate McCarter officiating. Burial, with military rites will follow in the LaHarpe Cemetery. Friends may call after 3:00 PM Wednesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe where the family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 PM. A memorial fund has been established for the LaHarpe Christian Church and the Terre Haute Fire Department.