The Hill Funeral Home and Cremation Services 614-882-2121
Richard Dean Reed Obituary - Hill Funeral Home

Arrangements

Private family interment at Sunbury Memorial Park.

While this is 24 months late, I am just now hearing of your loss. I still wanted to write by chance you have an opportunity to read this. Dick, as I knew him, was everything you describe. I was one of his student pilots that he shared his love of flying with. We had 50+ hours alone together in the cockpit while flying, just he and I, while I was earning my license back in 2004. He shared his love of his family, nature and all things you mentioned with me as we talked. He touched me deeply and we stayed in touch for a a number of years. He helped me propose to my wife by driving up to the Union County airport and helping me set up luminaries that we would later that evening fly over at night that were lit up that read "Lisa, will you marry me?"... he was there and made my proposal happen. A story I still tell to this day goes like this: We were flying and he shared with me how long he had been married, and he knew I was going to propose. I asked him "If you could give me one advice to staying married that long, what would it be?" His answer: "Pick the right one." with a hilarious grin on his face. He also attended our wedding. He and Anne were the last two on the dance floor together during one of the slow songs as the DJ slowly dismissed people from the dance floor with less than 5 years of marriage, then 10, then 15, then 20.... well, you could imagine, they were the last couple standing and looked just as in love together as Lisa and I. I want you to know he touched me. There really aren't many weeks that go by that I don't think of him and our flying lessons. What prompted me to look him up just now was the fact that I just pulled out of my desk drawer the card he gave us for our wedding with a gift certificate to Schulers in MI for their Prime Rib. I still have it here 20 years later and can't wait to dine there in his honor some day. Well, I hope enough time has passed you can read these notes and it reminds you fondly, with smiles, of your Papa. God Bless. Chris and Lisa Johnson

Chris Johnson

View Other Condolences
Add Your Condolence

Obituary for Richard Dean Reed

Richard Dean Reed 1924-2021

Richard Dean Reed

10/13/1924 - 07/28/2021

My beloved daddy, Richard Dean Reed, age 96, passed away Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at his home in Sunbury, OH. After a very tough fight, he died peacefully with me, (his daughter) alongside him, holding his hand. He is now in the arms of not only his precious Lord, but also the love of his life – his wife of 77 years, Anne. I can only imagine the reunion they had! Daddy never felt whole again after mom’s passing, over a year ago. He has longed and dreamed for the time he would embrace her once again, with Jesus surrounding them!

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Eldis & Ethel Reed, brother, Eldis (Frenchie) Reed II, son, Richard (Rick) Reed, and wife, Anne Reed. He is survived by his daughter, Pamela (Michael) Sheedy, daughter-in-law, Julie Flay, nieces; Peggy Delapp of Minneapolis, MS, and Nancy Schroder of Orlando, FL, grandchildren; Brandon (Natalie) Reed of Sunbury, Michael (Monica) Reed of Columbus, Kelsey (Austin) Wyman of Westerville, Alex Sheedy of Sunbury, Sam (Brittany) Sheedy of Sunbury and Great-Grandchildren; Eva & Anna Reed, Ravi & Juno Reed, Malia Wyman and Evelyn Sheedy.

Papa, as his family fondly called him, spent his life pouring wisdom and love into his entire family. His grandchildren grew up spending weekends behind their Worthington home, skipping rocks in the Olentangy River, hiking in the woods & creating special projects in his workroom. He taught them a love for nature, animals and God’s creation. He never missed anything his grandchildren were involved in: from elementary programs to volleyball and basketball games, art presentations, graduations and weddings. His Great-Grandchildren were the pride of his legacy. He was able to meet the last two Great Granddaughters, Mia and Ev, even though he was not healthy enough to interact with them. He continually talked about his “amazing” family and their love for each other, even in the last few weeks of his life.

Besides being a devoted family man & role model for the most amazing marriage, he also was a WWII Veteran, after growing up in the depression. He was so very, very proud of his service to his country and very emotional about his time in the Army. After graduating from college at OSU, he went on to add more schooling in NYC School of Design, culminating with a degree in Interior Design. After owning his own store (The Design Center) for the majority of his life, he decided to change his career to his other passion, flying. His love of flying started in WWII Air-Combat Fighter Pilot School. Unfortunately, his class was pulled out midway for combat. He continued his pursuit after the service and purchased his own airplane when his children were in high school. He decided to push forward with multiple licenses, including his Instructor’s License. His second career was teaching flying lessons; investing his passion in his students, until his health forced him to stop. A week prior to passing, he was talking to me about his excitement of flying again in heaven.

Papa will be sorely missed by not only his family, but also the many adults and children he touched throughout his life. Our great loss is softened by his love for the Lord and knowing we will see him once again.

The family is having a private graveside ceremony with full military honors, including a 21-gun salute! I know that daddy’s smile will light up heaven.

Remembrances may be left here  on the website of Hill Funeral Home