Gordon Reed

Gordon was a family man of many passions and a role model of life-long learning. During Gordon’s nearly 52 years of marriage, he was dedicated to his wife, family of 3 children and 5 grandchildren, by supporting their individual interests. Over the years he had enthusiasm for hunting, sailing, camping, hiking, forestry, and raising tropical fish. During his retirement he was a gardener, raised honeybees, and kept sourdough bread starters. He was proud of his shortbread cookies and sourdough bread and generously shared with those he cared for. Throughout his life, he was always happy to be working with his hands, whether building furniture, home additions, bee boxes, or garden trellises. He enjoyed using his skills to help out family, friends, and neighbors with home projects, snow blowing, gardening, and more. His desire to help others extended beyond death in his wishes to be an organ donor.  

When traveling, he preferred the open air and freedom of his motorcycle to the cage of a car. Over the years, he continued to upgrade to more powerful bikes ultimately settling for a cross-country cruiser. On this bike, he was able to make several long road trips both with his wife and solo.   

Not only was he eager to learn and apply new skills with his hands, but he also used his intelligence and attention to detail in his work as a nuclear plant operator with Illinois Power at the Clinton Power Station. Prior to his work in Clinton, he worked at San Onofre and Huntington Beach Power Plants in Southern California.  

His family invites you to join in a celebration of his life on Friday, July 21st from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm the Harristown Township Hall 195 N Meridian St, Decatur IL 62522. Casual dress.  

If you would like to share condolences or memories of Gordon with his family, please send to Central Crematorium Center 110 W Weaver Rd, Forsyth, IL 62535. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital