Vernon Eugene Reed

Vernon Eugene Reed passed away at his home in Green Valley, Ariz. on November 21, 2010 after a battle with lung cancer. Brother Vern was born June 3, 1933 to Edward and Hazel Reed in Upton, Wyo. His father, Ed, was in the construction business so the family moved often, giving Vern the opportunity to live and attend school in many different towns and states. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 at the age of 18 and served his country for four years. Vern and Jean met and fell in love in 1953 at Modesto, Calif. They were married on May 3, 1953 at the Little Flock Primitive Baptist Church in Salida, Calif. To this union were born four children, Vicki Lynn, Karen Beth, Dana Ann, and Mark Eugene. In 1957 they moved to Cortez, Colo. In 1958 Vern joined the Cortez Primitive Baptist Church and was baptized by Elder J.C. Smart in an icy pond outside of Cortez. He earned his BA degree in Greeley Colo. in 1962 and after teaching in Oregon returned to Greeley to get his post graduate degree in 1966. He was then employed by the State of Colorado. In 1969 he became a state supervisor of Vocational Rehabilitation located at Alamosa, Colo. In 1975 they moved back "home" to Cortez where Vern worked in the Cortez School District as an attendance officer until he retired in 1996. They then moved to Green Valley, Ariz. where he started the job he loved most --retirement. Vern was preceded in death by his father, Ed, and his son, Mark. He is survived by his dear wife Jean, his mother, "Granny" Hazel Reed, and his three daughters, Vicki and (Paul) Abbott of Tucson, Beth and (Jim)Schults of Grand Jct. Colo.., and Dana and (Gary) Fosmire of Tucson. Also remaining to mourn his passing are seven grandchildren, Adrian Miller, Melisa Brewer, Sean Abbott, Stefani Abbott, Beaux Gisclair, Jaclyn Gisclair, and Ryan Fosmire, 9 great grandchildren (with number ten on the way), his church family at the Tucson Primitive Baptist church and numerous friends and neighbors. Vern will be buried at the Cortez Cemetery beside his son, Mark. Vern touched the lives of a great many people, especially the lives of children. With his job in Cortez as a truancy officer he met and worked with many children that knew very few upstanding men. Vern became that needed role model to them. He will be missed, but we know that he is now rejoicing with our Lord and we rejoice in that with him.