April 26, 2023 Marvin Reed, age 90

Funeral Cele-bration of Life Services for Marvin Reed, age 90, of Lenox, Iowa who passed away on his birthday of April 15, 2023 were held Thursday, April 20, 2023 at 10:30 AM at the Lenox Christian Church. Visitation was one hour prior to services with the family greeting friends. Interment with military honors was held at the North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox. Memorials may be directed to the Lenox Fire Department or the Lenox Christian Church. Memories may be shared at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life.’
On April 15, 2023 Marvin Lee Reed passed peacefully through heaven’s gate into God’s hands. Ironically April 15th was his 90th birthday, a goal Marvin was wanting to reach.
Marvin Lee Reed was born on April 15, 1933 on a farm near Clearfield Taylor County IA to proud parents, Johnny Maxwell and Lois Irene (Lane) Reed. Marvin grew up on a farm northeast of Lenox in Adams County where he attended country school. He graduated from Lenox High School in 1950.
Marvin met Norma Jean Williams, marrying her on May 8, 1952 in Taylor County Iowa while home on leave after basic training. They made their home in Lenox, Iowa. Marvin and Norma renewed their vows on June 25, 2017 at Vintage Park with family and friends attending.
Marvin was a veteran of the United States Army and began his service to his country on March 2, 1953. He attended basic training at Fort Bliss, Texas where the records of 40 inductees were lost, including Marvin’s. These inductees had to repeat eight weeks of basic training. Marvin served overseas in Japan during the Korean Conflict. On June 8, 1954, he served at Headquarters Battery Gun Battalion 753 in the supply department at Misawa Air Force Base. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. His service ended on February 24, 1955 at which time he was transferred to the Army Reserves for 8 years. He was recently honored for his service by the local Legion auxiliary with a Quilt of Honor.
Mavin and Norma were blessed with three children: Stephen Lee, Jeffrey Alan, and Susan Elaine. Marvin was very proud of his children and loved to spend time with them.
Marvin was equally proud of his grandchildren, Troy, Crystal, Jacob, Trever, Amber, Jody, and Jordan and his great grandchildren, Trenton, Addison, Blayne, Brock, Quintin, Brylee, Brook, Chase, Maddie, Logan and Shay. In 1997 Marvin along with Clifford Freshour joined grandson Troy aboard the USS Enterprise for the Tiger Cruise.
Marvin worked at various places during his life: Buckston Oil Co, 22, Roll Service Station, Cain Oil, Taylor County as road grader, Dales Clothing, and joined son, Jeff, at Reed Service until his retirement.
Marvin was on the Lenox Fire Department for 30 years. He was also a member of the Lenox Christian Church.
During his life Marvin enjoyed hunting pheasant and coyote, golfing, fishing, bowling, and square dancing. Marvin and Norma enjoyed playing cards with their weekly card club for most of their adulthood. He and Norma made a yearly trek to Mt Pleasant to enjoy the old machinery and shows. Marvin and Norma would often take the grandkids on an excursion to the zoo, Living History Farms, Adventureland, and Worlds of Fun. They also made a yearly trip to Branson with Bill, Nancy, Kevin, Howard, and Dorothy as a well a yearly trip to meet up with his Army buddies.
Left to cherish wonderful memories of Marvin Lee Reed are: his wife, Norma of 70 years, daughter-in-law Jacqi Lynn (Freshour) Reed; son Jeffrey Alan and wife Carla (Miller) Reed; daughter Susan Elaine and husband Daniel Joe Miller: grandson Troy Stephen and wife Christine (Roan) Reed; granddaughter Crystal Lynnette (Reed) Shawler; grandson Trever Joe Reed; granddaughter Jody Dee Reed; grandson Jacob Karl (wife Angela) Miller; granddaughter Amber Lynn (husband Tim) Jones; grandson Jordan Lee (wife Taylor Miller); step great grandson Patrick and wife Amanda Harden with their children Ella and Eli; great grandsons Trenton Dean and Blayne Michael Shawler; great granddaughter Addison Nicole and great grandson Broderick Lesly Key; great grandson Quintin Riley Reed; great granddaughters Brylee Ann and Brooklyn Sawyer Miller; great grandsons Chase Daniel and Logan Dean Miller; great granddaughters Madalynn Sue and Shaylynn Sue Jones; sister Shirley Jean (Reed) Aldrich: sister-in-law Nancy Williams; nephews Gary and Kurt Stoaks and Barry and Mark Aldrich. Along with numerous other family members and friends.
Marvin was proceeded in death by his parents, Johnny and Irene (Lane) Reed and in-laws Melvin and Bertha (Milliken) Williams; sister Sandra Kay Reed; sister-in-law Dorothy and her husband Howard Stoaks: brother-in-law Bill Williams; son Stephen Lee Reed; and nephew Kevin Williams.
Marvin was a life well lived. The community and family will cherish the memories he made throughout his life. May he be at peace in God’s loving care.