Douglas Reed

R. Douglas Reed, of Spring Lake, passed away unexpectedly April 7 while vacationing in Italy with his wife of 45 years, Barbara (nee Baker). He was born January 9, 1938 at Clark Lake, near Jackson, to Robert Delano and Lila Jean Reed, both deceased. Missing him greatly are three daughters, Brenda Jean Pugh (David) of Petoskey, Julie Ellen Farmen (Ken) of Pinellas Park, FL and Diane Kay Cox (Sean), of Kannapolis, NC. Doug is survived by two brothers, Keith (Judy) of Clark Lake, Terry (Cris) of Pleasant Lake, and one sister, Denise Cox (Bob) of Michigan Center; brother-in-law Bruce Baker (Paula) of North Muskegon. Doug graduated from Napoleon High School in 1956. He received both Bachelor's and Master's degrees from MSU. During his eight years as an officer in the Air Force, he flew F-106's, spent two years in Okinawa and served a year in Viet Nam. He then taught business and coached baseball at Rogers High School in Wyoming, MI. Later, he began a new career at Baker College in Muskegon, leading their aviation program for ten years. Doug went on to numerous volunteer activities, including flying for Wings of Mercy, reading for Sight Seers, serving as an elder at Ferrysburg Community Church and partipating in mission trips to Puerto Rico and Africa. His favorite activities included cooking, gardening, and golfing. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Wings of Mercy or Heartside Ministries of Grand Rapids. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 19 at 11:00 a.m. at Central Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. A celebration of his life will take place at Clark Lake, MI on a later date.