Donald C. Reed

Donald C. Reed, 88, of Bucyrus died Tuesday, June 7, 2016 at his residence.



He was born September 22, 1927 in Crawford County to the late Leo C. and Evelyn E. (Campbell, Reed) Stauffer and was a 1946 graduate of Nevada High School where he served as a leading member of their baseball team. Following school, he was proud to have pitched and played first base for one season in the Chicago Cubs farm system. Shortly thereafter, he married Patricia Steinhilber, a lovely fellow classmate whom he’d known most of his life and dated during his senior year.



Don worked a short time at Swan Rubber before hiring into Ohio Power, where he worked for 46 years before his retirement. He was a gentle man who enjoyed doing things with his wife. They completed many projects together, raised a family, and traveled extensively by land or an occasional cruise. He was a God-fearing man who enjoyed his 68-year membership at Martin Luther Lutheran Church where he served as a deacon, custodian, and also on the cemetery board for a number of years. He was also a member of the Buckeye State Sheriffs’ Association.



Don always enjoyed sports and, in addition to his brief stint during farm ball, he refereed high school basketball games for 20 years, attended many Indianapolis 500 time trials, and loved following his Cleveland Indians. He looked forward to visiting with his grandchildren, working in his vegetable garden, and will be remembered for his distinct whistling ability.



In addition to Patricia, his wife of 67 years, Don is survived by his two greatest accomplishments: daughters, Debi (Niel) Luidhardt of Eugene, Oregon and Robin (Guy) Cutrufo of Scottsville, Virginia; two grandchildren, Jesse (Kacie) Luidhardt of Portland, Oregon and Christie (Nick) Page of Lake Stevens, WA; and one brother, Vaughn (Carol) Reed of Upper Sandusky. He was preceded in death by two siblings, Joyce Sanford and Eugene Reed.



Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Friday, June 10 at Wise Funeral Service. Don’s funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Martin Luther Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Nilsen and Gene Luidhardt, SAM officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.



His family specifically requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to HomeCare Matters Hospice, Martin Luther Church Memorial Fund, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.



Memories and photos can be shared on Don's Tribute Wall.