Clifford Eugene “Gene” Reed

Clifford Eugene "Gene" Reed, 68, of Ellston, died June 22, 2016, at Greater Regional Hospice House in Creston. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 27, at Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr with the Rev. Terry Roberts officiating. Burial is in the Ellston Cemetery. There is open viewing at the funeral home from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, with family present from 6 to 8 p.m. A memorial fund has been established in his name to be decided later. Online condolences may be left at www.watsonarmstrongfh.com.

Gene, son of Oscar and Loreen (Scadden) Reed, was born April 16, 1948, in Leon. Gene grew up in Van Wert and Grand River. He graduated from Grand Valley High School in 1967.

Gene married the love of his life, Cathy Creveling, on June 29, 1969, at Wishard Chapel Church. Gene and Cathy lived in Kellerton for the next nine years before moving to Ellston in 1978. Gene drove a truck before taking over his father’s plumbing and digging business. Cathy later joined him in the business, and they worked hard together. Gene and Cathy would later have a mowing business with Sky View Properties. He served his community as mayor and was on the city council until January.

Those who will treasure his memory and share his story include his loving wife, Cathy of Ellston; children Gerri (Jim) Phelps of Des Moines, Terri (Brad) Van Gelder of Creston and David Reed of Ellston; grandchildren Alec Phelps, Taylor Phelps, Bryce Phelps, Alison Van Gelder and Morgan Van Gelder; sisters Donna Stark of Kellerton and Judy Doolittle of Kellerton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents; sister Bonnie Ross; brothers-in-law Jackie Ross, Melvin Doolittle, Marion Stark and Garey Creveling; and parents-in-law Wayne and Lovina Creveling.