Gilbert M. “Muck” Reed, 89, of Punxsutawney, went to his heavenly home on Jan. 6, 2022.
He was born on August 20, 1932 to Glenn E. Reed and Helen V. (Palmer) Reed in Punxsutawney.
When he was a tyke, he loved milk, but he pronounced it “Muck” and that nickname stuck.
Muck attended a one room schoolhouse until the ninth grade, at which point he knew more than the teacher so he moved on to working on the homestead farm and the mines for a short time.
Muck was an Army veteran of the mid 1950’s where he got to see most of Europe.
He loved the farmland of Germany and while in France, climbed the Eiffel Tower.
He even brought home wooden shoes from Holland.
Upon arriving home, he married his sweetheart Barbara Whitesell on February 23, 1957.
They purchased their farm in 1963 and over the years grew it into 500 acres of managed land providing hay, corn and oats everywhere from Ohio to the east coast for the last 58 years.
From then on when the weather was fit, you could only find him on one of his John Deere tractors.
He was still actively operating the farm and tilling the land as recent as last fall along with son Dean and grandson Dirk.
Many young men found summer employment on the Reed farm and were accepted as family.
The Reed family would like to thank all of them, in particular Wes Smith (unofficial fourth son) who still dropped by a couple times a week to visit Muck.
Muck loved hunting and fishing with the gang. He enjoyed camping when he had time.
He was also a fixture at Marion Center Speedway on Saturday nights rooting on the boys in the #12, LT1 and 54 cars.
In the winter, he enjoyed jigsaw puzzles.
He loved children which is why he drove school bus for over 40 years up until age 80.
Most importantly, Muck accepted Christ as his savior a few years ago and was finally baptized at the age of 87.
He is survived by brother Bill Reed of Ohio, sister Delores Burkett of Punxsutawney, Sister Helen Hazlett of Ohio. Four children: Dennis & wife Ronda Reed of Punxsutawney; Cheyenne & wife Nina Reed of Punxsutawney, Robin Reed Poling & husband John of Punxsutawney and Dean Reed of Punxsutawney; Eight grandchildren: Brandon Patrick & wife Laura; Derek Reed & wife Amanda; Cheyenne Reed Jr & wife Jeongmi; John Poling III, Angel Poling-Soto & husband Jose’ and Dirk Poling. Eight great-grandchildren: Ace Patrick, Trip Patrick, Cannon Patrick, Ella Grace Cagle, Anson Cagle, Hudson Reed, Kyle Poling and Rhea Soto-Poling.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barb Reed, mother and father, infant brother Carl Reed, brother Paul “Bud” Reed and brother Mervin Reed.
Due to COVID, there will be no visitation, but the family is planning a celebration of Gilbert’s life at the family farm this summer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to defer hospital & funeral expenses in care of Dennis Reed, 1305 N. Enterline Rd. Punxsutawney, PA 15767.
Online condolences can be shared by visiting www.deeleyfuneralhome.com.
Copyright © 2024 EYT Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved. Any copying, redistribution or retransmission of the contents of this service without the express written consent of EYT Media Group, Inc. is expressly prohibited.
