ELKHART -- Eugene F. "Franklin" Reed, 81, of C.R. 4 in Elkhart, died at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday (June 11, 2008) at Elkhart Rehabilitation Center.

He was born Nov. 8, 1926, to John H. Reed and Esther Bridge.

He is survived by two brothers, Lloyd "Butch" (Gwen) Reed, of El Mirage, Ariz., and Larry Reed of Elkhart; one sister, Luella Miller, of Dallas; his caregiver of many years, Norma (Bernie) Kretschmer of Elkhart; and one niece.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Carl, John and Regis Reed; and one sister, Dolores Mabry.

No visitation or service has been scheduled. Cremation will take place per Mr. Reed's wishes.

Mr. Reed was a plumber who had worked at Relth and Austin Plumbing in Elkhart for more than 20 years, retiring in the early 1980s. He resided in Arizona in his early years and coached baseball and Little League there. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed riding motorcycles and four wheelers, as well as planting flowers and gardening. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran who served in World War II. He was also a Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers fan.

Billings Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given to the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care in South Bend.