Welch Eugene (Gene) Reed, son of Lowry M Reed and Sara Petty Reed was born on February 14, 1923 in Stilwell, Oklahoma and departed this life on May 10, 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 88 years, 2 months, and 26 days.

He graduated Stilwell High School and the Oklahoma Military Academy in Claremore, Oklahoma. From 1943-1946 he proudly served his country in the Army-Air Force. As a Staff Sergeant he was first stationed in Laredo, Texas as a Gunnery Instructor and then a WWII Veteran stationed in The Philippines. During this time he received the Philippine Liberation Ribbon and Good Conduct Medal.

Gene began working alongside his brother Quentin and their mother Sara at Reed’s Hardware in 1946 and continued until his death. He was a very important part of the business community in Stilwell and was loved and respected by all his customers. In his pastime he loved gardening. He was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Stilwell where he taught a Jr. High Sunday School class for 65 years.

He is survived by a very loving family that includes his wife: Doris Jo Reed of the home in Stilwell, one daughter: Jogene Marti and her husband Richard of Farmington, Arkansas, three grandchildren: Michelle Calhoun and husband Dwayne of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Bryce Marti of Dallas, Texas, and Brett Marti and wife Debbie of Springfield, Missouri, and five great grandchildren: Ashlee Calhoun, Sara Calhoun, and Nicholas Calhoun, all of Fayetteville Arkansas, Ryleigh Marti and Makenzie Marti of Springfield Missouri.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents: Lowry M Reed and Sara Reed Bragg, and one brother: Quentin Reed.

Funeral services were held at 10:00 am Thursday, May 12, 2011 at First Christian Church, Stilwell with Jack Steele and Kevin Spurlock officiating. Interment followed at Stilwell City Cemetery under the direction of Roberts/Reed-Culver Funeral Home.

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