Gary Edwin Reed passed from this life on Sunday, July 10, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. The son of Kay Albert and Marcia Dee (Walker) Reed, Gary was born in Hot Springs Arkansas on July 7, 1947. At the age of 2, his family moved to Stilwell, Oklahoma where Gary would graduate from Stilwell High School in 1965.
Gary was privileged to be raised in a Christian family and was active in church all of his childhood. At an early age he was “Born Again” into God’s family, a decision that shaped the rest of his life. While attending church camp at the age of 13, Gary felt the call to someday be a preacher. In 1965, he began studying for the ministry at Ozark Bible College in Joplin, MO. After two years of service in the US Army, Gary graduated in 1972.
Gary’s love for his country was as big as his heart. He served in the Vietnam War as an infantry staff sergeant and was decorated with two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, two Army Commendation Medals, two Air Medals, and other service ribbons. He was most proud to have been an Airborne Ranger and earned the right to wear the Ranger Tab. Gary stayed in touch with his Army buddies all through his life.
Upon completion of his service, Gary returned to Joplin, MO and a month later, on March 21, 1970 married Randa Corbin, the gal that had stolen his heart 3 years before. They were blessed with three children. They served in seven churches in Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma. They were Residence Directors at OCC for 12 years, and “filled in” for churches that were between ministers. They served the Lord for 46 years - it was always “Gary & Randa”…..together!
Gary was a volunteer for many organizations over the years, including 4-H, Extension Council, Head Start MO President for 3 years, Peterson Outdoors Ministries, Joplin Police Chaplain, Military Order of the Purple Heart, and other military service organizations. He was a Hospice Chaplain for 5 years.
After retirement, Gary strove to be active. He became a student at MSSU and was part-time Minister of Visitation at First Christian Church, Miami, OK. Gary met weekly with a peer group of godly men for accountability. Up to the very end, it was his desire to honor the call that God had placed on his heart at a young age. He will be missed by the many men he mentored, the countless couples he counseled, but most of all by his loving wife and family.
Gary leaves behind his wife Randa, his three children, Jeff Reed and his wife Allison of Flower Mound, TX, Jeremy Reed of Lake Mary, FL, Heather Reed Day of Carl Junction, MO and three grandsons, Levi and Aaron Reed, and Brodyn Day. Also a sister, Kaylene Farthing of Hot Springs Village, AR, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of “brothers and sisters” he brought to the Lord.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am Thursday July 14, 2016 at the First Christian Church Miami, Ok with ministers Brian Brubaker, Jerad Joslin and Tony Kinzer officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Hope Cemetery Webb City, Mo. with Military Honors The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 7:00 pm Wednesday at the mortuary. The family suggests contributions to Good New Productions International or Peterson Outdoor Ministries in care of the Mortuary.
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