Douglas Reed

ELKHART—Douglas “Doug” Reed, 70, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully following an extended illness on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 6:23 p.m. at the Center for Hospice Care, Elkhart.

He was born July 13, 1946 in Hazard, Kentucky to the late James and Lillie (White) Reed, and later married the love of his life, JoAnn Curtis, on June 24, 1966, in Detroit, Michigan.

She survives at home after 50 wonderful years together.

Also surviving are his children Donna (Rodney) Hamilton of Granger, Douglas (Katherine) Reed of Burlington, North Carolina and James (Jodi) Reed of Granger; grandchildren Alexandria and Brendan Reed and Liam, Zane and Brittney Hamilton, and “grandpups” Griffith and Sydney.

Preceding him in death are siblings Henry, Tom and Noah Reed and Louise Sweeney, as well as his father-in-law Darrel Curtis. Doug retired from General Motors as a machine operator in Hamtramck, Michigan for just over 36 years.

A devout Christian, he enjoyed spending time with his Cornerstone family.

He was quoted as saying he never met a person or a meal that he didn’t like, and he could find positive and redeeming qualities in just about anyone. Loving and endearing, Doug prided himself on being accepting and helpful to everyone he met. 

In his younger days, he enjoyed bowling, golf and softball, but, being an avid fisherman, he always retained a habit of drowning a worm every now and again.

He was the rock upon which the family stood, and his mentoring and loving presence will be greatly missed.

Pastor Ron Bell and the congregation of the Cornerstone Baptist Church, 29635 CR 10, Elkhart, are honored to host Doug’s celebration of life service, beginning with a visitation from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 16. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, May. 17 with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with cremation arrangements. Memorial donations may be given to the church.

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