Thadus Reed

Thadus McGay Reed was born March 2, 1918, in Beach, N.D., to Elsie Fiddler-Reed and Jesse Reed. Thad was soon to be blessed with brothers, Leslie and Lynn, and a sister Cleo. Early in Thad's life, the family moved to Glendive, Mont., and continued their lives of ranching and farming. Thad was about 15 when the Depression hit, and the family lost the farm. They all moved to Fruita to be with other family member and continued to ranch and farm. Thad graduated from Appleton High School and attended Western State for two years. Then Thad decided to "come to the aid of his country" and joined the Navy during World War II. He served in several medical capacities, including a hospital ship. Thad met his soon-to-be wife, Ethel Berry a Navy Wave while they were both stationed in the Naval hospital in San Diego, Calif. The Navy had them both all over the Pacific, but they finally were married Sept. 22, 1946. They had two children, Melba, born in Long Beach, Calif., and Ray, born in Agama, Guam. Thad served 20 years in the Navy. After retirement, the family moved to Aurora, and he worked another 20 years for the Veteran's Administration Hospital in Denver in the cardiac unit. After his second retirement, he and Ethel enjoyed traveling, church work and many social activities and organizations. They moved to Parkwood Estates in Fort Collins in February 1992 and also became members at First Baptist Church. Ethel's health was failing and they wanted to be closer to Melba and family. But in October 1995, Ethel went to be with the Lord. Thad loved Parkwood and stayed there until a heart situation promoted a move to Good Samaritan Village. Thad was thrilled with their assisted living program but was only there a year when he fell and shattered his hip. Thad then went into Good Sam's full nursing care and was very thankful and appreciative for the excellent, caring services he received there. On Jan. 28, 2008, Thad went to be with the Lord. He is survived by his son, Ray and his wife, Jan and their sons, Chris and Jess and daughter, Melba, her husband, Don, and son, Matthew and his wife, Amber. John 3:16. A funeral service with military honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church, 900 E. Prospect. A graveside service with military honors by the U.S. Navy will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area C, Denver. The Rev. Mark Henke will officiate at the service. Contributions can be made to Fort Collins Good Samaritan Village or the Alpha Center, in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel. Friends may send condolences to the family at bohlenderfuneralchapel.com