Damon "Arlis" Reed

Damon Reed, lovingly known as “Arlis” to his family, passed away on November 13, 2024, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, at the age of 84. He was born on October 13, 1940, in Paden, Oklahoma, to Garland Richard Reed and Laura Reed.

Damon proudly served his country for 21 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 1978 as a Senior Master Sergeant. During his time in service, Damon held the distinguished position of Senior Enlisted Advisor at Vance Air Force Base in Enid, Oklahoma. His dedication to duty, leadership, and mentorship were a source of inspiration to those who served alongside him.

Above all, Damon’s greatest love was his wife, Anna, to whom he was wholly devoted. He served her with unwavering dedication, their love a true partnership in heart and mind. Together, they built a life filled with generosity, compassion, and service to others. Damon and Anna consistently offered their time, resources, and kindness to those in need—whether through their church, ministries, or chance encounters on their journeys. Their love and faith were a beacon to many.

Damon cherished his family deeply and found immense joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as the “neighbor grandchildren” who became an extension of his family. He had a passion for fishing, woodworking, and working on his beloved tractor, hobbies that reflected his creativity and love of the outdoors.

Damon and Anna were active members of the Church of Christ, where their faith in God guided their lives of service.

Damon is survived by his loving wife, Anna Reed, of Fort Smith, Arkansas; his children, David Reed of San Diego, California, and Donna Reed of Fort Smith, Arkansas; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Laura Reed, and his siblings: brothers Elson “Son” Reed, Millard Reed, R.C. Reed, and Wayne Reed; and sisters Elma Hensley, Lucille McEntire, and Vera Mae Hinkle.

Damon’s legacy of love, service, and selflessness lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

A celebration of Damon’s life will be held at graveside, on November 25th at 2:00 p.m. at Fairview Maguire Cemetery in Noble, Oklahoma where family and friends will gather to honor the remarkable life he lived.