SOUTH WHITLEY - Richard V. "RV" Reed, 86, of South Whitley, died at 5:45 p.m. March 9, 2011, in his residence. He had been in failing health.
He was born Oct. 5, 1924, in South Bend, to Vern W. and Mary Tyndall Reed. On Aug. 30, 1947, he married Loma Musser, who survives.
On Dec. 14, 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the European Theater. He was honorably discharged May 1, 1946. He graduated from St. Joe High School; earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture/chemistry from Purdue University; and completed his master's degree in education from Ball State University.
A life-long educator, he began his teaching career in 1949 at Pierceton High School, teaching agriculture classes and coaching junior high basketball and baseball. In 1963, he became principal at Pierceton High School and in 1971, the principal for the newly formed Whitko High School, serving in that capacity until 1983. He finished his career as a science teacher at Whitko, until retiring in 1986. He then became the voice of Whitko football and basketball as the announcer at all home games.
He was a member of United Methodist Church of South Whitley, South Whitley Lions Club, Pierceton American Legion, 4-H Leader for 20 years, IHSAA Board of Directors, Future Farmers of America and a founding member of Whitley County EMS, South Whitley.
Also surviving are three sons: Barry (and spouse Elaine) Reed, Chapin, S.C.; Steve (and spouse Carol) Reed, South Whitley; and Nelson Reed, Tallahassee, Fla.; three daughters: Jo Ellen (and spouse Monte) Wilkinson, Larwill; Teresa (and spouse Jeff) Gable, North Manchester; and Jill Flory Wagner, Orlando, Fla.; 21 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Carol (and spouse Marcel) Pugsley, Florida. He was preceded in death by a son.
Services will be at 5 p.m. Sunday in the gymnasium at Whitko High School, South Whitley. Burial will be private in South Whitley Cemetery.
Calling is from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday at the school.
Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, is in charge of arrangements.
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Memorials may be made to the Whitko Athletic Department or United Methodist Church of South Whitley.
Condolences may be sent via www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com
