Donald Reed

Donald T. Reed, 84, of Whitney, entered the Gates of Heaven on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at his home surrounded by family. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22, 2018 at King Memorial United Methodist Church in Whitney with Rev. Brad Slaten, Rev. Ken Boatman, Rev. Ron Oden, Rev. Don Johnson and Mr. Jimmy Pressly officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Garden of Memory near Hillsboro. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday evening at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney.

Donald Texas Reed was born June 21, 1933 to Dewey Iorus and Opal Gordon Reed in Hill County. He was baptized at a young age in the Vaughn Methodist Church. Don was raised in the Yates Community which was named after his great-grandfather Capt. John Wesley Yates who was a member of the Confederate Army and donated the land for the Yates school and cemetery. Don was a member of King Memorial United Methodist Church since 1968.

Don attended school in Abbott and graduated Valedictorian of his class from Abbott High School in 1950. He attended Baylor University from 1950-1952. Don married the love of his life, Joyce Lanell Clements, on March 13, 1953 at Abbott Methodist Church. Shortly thereafter at age 19, he was drafted into the United States Army in April 1953, where they were stationed at Ft. Bliss. Donald served in the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge in 1955. He then attended Arlington State University, now University of Texas at Arlington from 1955-1956.

Don and Joyce lived in Dallas until 1961 when they moved back to Hill County where he became involved in Farming and Ranching. Don Reed was a man of many ventures. In 1961, he and Joyce bought the Dairy Mart in Whitney and they operated it until 1973. During this time he was also in cabinet sales all over the state of Texas. In 1971, he began his 20 year career with the United States Postal Service serving as a rural carrier until retiring in 1991. Don and Joyce established Reed Insurance Agency in 1979 where he finished his career. He was also successful in multiple real estate transactions, including getting a grant approved for a housing development with the City of Whitney.

For many years Don enjoyed coaching Pee Wee, Little League, and Senior Baseball Leagues, along with Boy Scout Troop Leader in Whitney. He served on the WISD School Board, Hill County Water Board, Hospice Board, member of Whitney Lions Club, member of Chamber of Commerce, elected Citizen of the year, contributor and member of Hill County Museum, member of Gideons International, served as Sunday School Superintendent and Usher, and numerous committees at King Memorial United Methodist Church. In 2006, with the help of his childhood friends, Willie and Bobbie Nelson, Don reopened the Abbott Methodist Church where he served as Manager and Coordinator of services. From this church, he implemented the scholarship program for Hill County students.

One of Don’s greatest pleasures in life was spending time and making memories with family and friends at their home north of Durango, Colorado.

Don is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joyce Reed, three children; Keith Reed and wife Julie of Whitney, Kim Heckard and husband Jim of Whitney, and Kelley Freeman of Mansfield. Five grandchildren; Mandy McFall and husband Chad of La Vernia, Justin Reed of Whitney, Matthew Reed of San Marcos, Lauren Heckard of Los Angeles, Ca., and Noah Freeman of Mansfield. Two great-granddaughters; Lylah and Landry McFall of La Vernia, mother in law, Desma Clements of Hillsboro, sister, Joan Gregory and husband Jamie of Chalk Bluff; sisters-in-law, Barbara McCauley of Franklin and Kay Clements of Hillsboro; and many nieces and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents and great-granddaughter, Kensie Jo McFall.

Memorials may be given to King Memorial United Methodist Church, PO Box 612, Whitney, TX 76692 or Abbott Methodist Church, PO Box 1555, Whitney, TX 76692.

Viewing and Visitation

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM ,Saturday, April 21, 2018
Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney
201 North Bosque Whitney, TX 76692

Funeral Service

2:00 PM ,Sunday, April 22, 2018
King Memorial Methodist Church
500 S. Colorado Whitney , TX 76692

Burial

Sunday, April 22, 2018
Hillcrest Garden of Memory
3838 State Highway 22 Hillsboro, TX 76645