Harold J Reed

Harold J. Reed (Hal) Age 84, of Tucson, passed away April 27, 2012. Our gentle giant is gone to be with his heavenly father. Hal was born in Marshall, Michigan on November 20, 1927. At the young age of 9 years old, he went to work for a circus cleaning up after the animals. At 10 years old , he traveled with a carnival working on the rides. At age 12, he joined the Maritime Service in the Great Lakes. He joined the Navy at 15 years of age, but was released a few months later when they discovered his true age! His childhood was likened to that of Tom Sawyer & Huck Finn. Lots of adventure, travel, learning, joy, fear, bravery, loneliness, & love. In 1946, he went into the Army (he received the golden gloves award in boxing). He was deployed to Korea where he served with the 24th Medical corp, there his unit received the Presidential Unit Citation signed by President Harry S Truman. He later joined the U.S. Air Force where he received two commendations for outstanding job performance and leadership. He retired from the Air Force in 1969. And then worked as a mechanic till he retired. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers &two sisters. He is survived by one son Harold Jr. (Joyce) and one daughter, Judy (Mark ) Cashwell, four grandchildren, one sister & several nieces and nephews. Hal has many friends both in Tucson and in the white Mountains who will miss him dearly, especially th Klun's Rick, Doris & Mark. No one enjoyed those UNO games and the 4th of july Bar-B-Que's with horse shoes & darts more than Hal. We are really going to miss you Big Guy. Please make any memorial contributions to the Humane Society.. A Memorial Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am Wednesday, May 16 2012 at East lawn Palms Cemetery.