He was born in Morgan County, November 12, 1934 the son of Pearl and Elizabeth E. (Sutherd) Reed. He married Mary Ann McMillan June 5, 1954 in Pleasant Plains, IL and they recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Also surviving are his son, Gregg (Mary Kay) Reed of Springfield, and his granddaughter, Anna Reed of Springfield. There are several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Duck was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Renona Dodds and Brother Franklin Reed. The entire family was heartbroken when their son, Thomas D. Reed passed away in 1977 at a young age.
Duck was a hard worker, always looking out for others, helping in any way he could. He was a skilled Carpenter and a member of the Central Illinois Carpenters Local 16. He was proud of his work and his contributions to the trade. He retired in 1996.
He had a passion for the game of softball. He was known for his skills as a pitcher, most would say “a great pitcher” but Duck would always only agree to being a “good pitcher”. His talents and accomplishments of his 40 plus year career would be acknowledged by his inductions into the Amateur Softball Association State of Illinois Hall of Fame, the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame, and the Pleasant Plains Wall of Fame. He and his son Gregg shared in the father/son status of which there are not many, as they played side by side for 17 years. Duck was named to the All State Tournament Teams many times.
He was a proud and devoted member of the Farmingdale Presbyterian Church and was active in the endeavors and projects of the church, including the Helping Hands Pleasant Plains Food Pantry and the Kumler Neighborhood Ministries over the years.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL where the family will host a time for visitation on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 4-7 pm. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 10 am with Pastor’s Steve Smith and Dave Nicholson officiating. Burial will follow in Farmington Cemetery, at Farmingdale. In honor of Duck, please wear casual attire.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions Farmingdale Presbyterian Church 7971 Farmington Cemetery Rd, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677 or the Helping Hands Pleasant Plains Food Pantry 100 W Main St, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
