ELKHART -- Lawrence Haley "Larry" Reed, 87, of Elkhart, died at 4:15 p.m. Wednesday (June 10, 2009) at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born May 18, 1922, in Dairy, Pa., to John and Esther (Bridge) Reed. On Aug. 30, 1947, he married Elizabeth Kathleen Elias in Crabtree, Pa. She preceded him in death Oct. 20, 1996.

He is survived by three sons, Larry (Stephanie), Dennis and James Reed, all of Elkhart; three daughters, Loretta (Richard) McClain and Elaine (Rick) Lyon, both of Elkhart, and Esther (Jay) Booth of Granger; one brother, Lloyd (Gwen) Reed of Phoenix, Ariz.; one sister, Luella Miller of Dallas, Texas; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by four brothers, Regis, Johnny, Franklin and Carl Reed; and one sister, Dolores Mabry.

Mr. Reed was a supervisor and foreman in the construction industry for most of his life and formerly worked for NIBCO. He was a member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, VFW Post 88 and the Carpenters Union. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he received a Purple Heart and was honorably discharged in 1945. He was a model airplane enthusiast and enjoyed painting, wood scrolling, golf and bowling.

Friends may call from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, with a parish vigil service at 6:30 p.m. Calling is also 30 minutes prior to the Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. Monday at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, 1405 N. Main St., Elkhart. The Rev. Bill Sullivan of St. Thomas will officiate. Burial with military honors by the U.S. Army burial detail and DAV Chapter 19 will follow at St. Vincent Cemetery in Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County or The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care.

Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.