John F. Reed, 95 of Fairfield, Illinois passed away peacefully on December 3, 2024, at 5:05 AM surrounded by his loving family. Known for his kindness, wisdom and unwavering dedication to his faith and family, John leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. Born on January 6, 1929, in De Land, Illinois, John led a full life of compassion and service. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and a pillar of strength for all who knew him.
He was a man of faith and the senior pastor at the Mill Shoals Gospel Assembly Church in Mill Shoals, Illinois. He was faithful in delivering God’s message in a sermon or in the many songs he knew. He was still delivering the message in song up until his death.
John’s many work interests included farming, banking, and his appraisal business. He joined the Wayne County Bank and Trust Company in 1958 and retired as Executive Vice President in 1986 to devote more time to the ministry. He served as past President of the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, Fairfield Rotary Club, and member of the Mills Shoals Ruritan Club. He enjoyed fishing with his grandchildren, beekeeping, was an avid gardener with many fruit-trees of which he shared the harvest and maintained his farming roots by raising chickens and sharing the eggs. But his priority in life was God, sharing his faith and spending time with family and friends.
John is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ramona J (McKinney) Reed, his son Gerald ‘Jerry’(Verla) Reed, Brownstown, Illinois, stepdaughter Linda Davis (David) Pike, Cincinnati, Ohio, son in law Jim Pranger, Fayetteville, North Carolina. Grandchildren- Jerilyn (Ryan) Reed, Springfield, Missouri, Morgan Ann (Seth) Gover, Kansas City, Missouri, and Sally (Brandon) Ratliffe, Summerville, South Carolina. Great grandchildren- Tristan, Sadie and Addilynn Gover, Elia Eve Reed, and Eleanor Ratliffe. Brothers- Curt (Betty) Reed, Decatur, Illinois and Gene Reed, Bloomfield, Indiana and brother-in-law Larry (Elaine) Withrow, Fairfield, Illinois. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Fred W and Maud (Vaughan) Reed, his first wife Dorothy J (Vaughan) Reed, son John F Reed Jr, daughter Donna J (Davis) Pranger and grandchildren Brian Young, Renata Pranger and Jonathan Reed, brothers Ray and George Reed and sister Faye Rose.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday December 7, 2024, at the Mill Shoals Gospel Assembly Church, with burial in Maple Hill Cemetery, Fairfield, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 10:00am until the time of service at the church. Friends and family are invited to come and honor his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Mills Shoals Gospel Assembly Church, Mills Shoals Ruritan Club or Donor’s choice and will be accepted at the services or the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, which is handling arrangements.
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