Russell W. Reed, 97, of Paxton passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at Country Healthcare in Gifford. He was born on March 18, 1929 in Gilman, a son of James and Gladys (Veatch) Reed. Russell married Lyla M. Hoover on July 28, 1950 in Roberts, whom he loved for 75 years, and she preceded him in death on August 23, 2025.
He is survived by four children, Wayne (Bonnie) Reed of Russellville, Indiana, Darlene Merkle of Paxton, James (Shirley) Reed of Boulder City, Nevada, and Robert (Amy) Reed of Onarga; eleven grandchildren, Tina Lawson, Eric Eilts, Nathan Reed, Karee Voges, Kim Eilts, Seth Reed, Cole Reed, Ty Reed, Matt Reed, John Reed, and Adam Reed; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Wanda (Dave) Caldwell of Marietta, Georgia, Gail (James) Snow of Bloomington, Pastor Bob Hoover of Decatur, and Sharon Lee of Onarga.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; his in-laws, Ervin and Verna Hoover; two brothers, Don Reed and Wendell (Betty) Reed; one grandson, Aaron Reed; brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, Floyd (Dolores) Hoover, Marvin (Marilyn) Hoover, Ervaleen (Forrest) Smith, Jim Lee, and Darlene Hoover.
Russell was a member of Living Word Church in Roberts. He was a veteran of the United States Army. Russell fought in the Korean Conflict from 1951 to 1953 as a Sergeant First Class. He was very proud of his service and his country. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the Thawville American Legion Post 700.
Visitation will be at Living Word Church in Roberts from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 with Pastor Josh Hopkins and Pastor Paul Phillips officiating. Burial will follow in the Ridgeland Township Cemetery. Graveside military rites by the Thawville American Legion Post 700.
Memorials may be made to the Thawville American Legion Post 700 or Living Word Church in Roberts.
Arrangements are by the Knapp Funeral Home in Onarga.
Please share a memory of Russell at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
