Evan Cole “Bud” Reed, was born March 1, 1941 at People’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio to Judge Evan James and Jeannette Cole Reed, grandson of Colonel Samuel Jackson and Bessie Hall Cole, as well as Howard and Elizabeth James Reed. Evan passed away unexpectedly in the loving arms of his wife, Margaret on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at his home near Clendening Lake, Freeport, his favorite place to be, just as he would have wanted.

A lover of the true outdoors, Evan became an Eagle Scout in 1957. His childhood adventures were amazing! Evan attended King elementary and graduated from Buchtel High School in Akron in 1958, soon after, attending the University of Akron where he received his Bachelors of Science in Education. Evan was also a 1968 Squadron Graduate of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company where he was selected as a manager in Danville, Virginia. Evan found his passion for teaching, especially science and history in the Akron Public Schools where he taught for forty years and received numerous awards as an outstanding educator. He created unbreakable bonds with many of his students that lasted into their adulthood. He had a generous heart, whether it would be to help with school photos or fields trip dues, to taking them under his wing in a time of need. He had great memories of taking students sled riding and then back to his own home for hot chocolate. He was a man known to spend four hours of work to create fifteen minutes of fun. He was always trying to make people happy, from making obstacle courses to numerous science experiments, and loved doing such things as driving his grandson two hours to West Virginia so he could have a fish sandwich. He was also an amazing builder, teaching woodshop for many years, he could create anything. Evan was a huge fan of studying Akron’s and his family history. His family was early settlers of Peninsula, Ohio and contributed greatly to the history of early Akron. He planned to write a book one day. Evan loved studying genealogy, even trying his wife’s family as direct descendants to Abraham Lincoln.

Everything Evan was, he always said he owed to his mother and soft-spoken father, who he loved dearly and admired above all. He spent countless years taking care of them. He kept pictures of his grandchildren over his bed so that would be the last thing he sees before falling asleep every night.

Evan found a great love in southern Ohio, where he and Margaret created their second home on Clendening Lake. Evan retired from teaching and followed his dream of starting a fruit orchard there. This brought him so much joy! His work was strenuous, but his benefits were plentiful. He was an extremely happy man. His grandchildren flourished in the life he worked so hard to build. His heart was full. The love in his life, abundant! So many cherished memories made at this happy place he created for all who came.

Evan was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, American Legion, Moose Lodge and Fruit Growers Association of Ohio. He spent many years participating in Civil War reenactments, even gracing the local newspaper charging off the canon for his students on the grounds at Litchfield Middle School.

 Evan leaves behind his loving daughters from his first marriage, Robin Reed Riley and children Evan and Shannon, as well as Jeannette Reed Berick (Dan) and children Thomas, Michael and Rachel.

Evan is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Margaret Sue McClure Reed, and their daughters Elizabeth Reed Ogonek (Walter) children Sarah and Isaac, as well as Nicole Reed Boberg (John) children Emily, John and Ava.  Evan also leaves behind his canine companion, Abe.  

Evan is also survived by Robert (Ruth) McClure, Danny (Maria) McClure, Judy (Dan) McPeak, Rebecca (Bob) Goff, and Norma (Gary) Ketterman. He leaves behind numerous friends.

Evan had a strong love for his numerous nieces and nephews, as well as a special bond with his brother’s son, Todd Myers.

In addition to his parents and grandparents, Evan is preceded in death by his daughter Renee, as well as his little brother and best friend, Bruce Allen Reed, whom he was extremely close with, and his wife’s parents’ Noble and Sally (Hudson) McClure. Evan was also preceded in death by Patsy (Jack) Schmidt and J.C. McClure, and many good friends along the way. 

In the words of Evan, love your fellow man. Be kind and treat the world good. Enjoy your time here on this earth, it isn't long. To all who loved him, look to the sky and the stars on a clear, dark night, and say hello. He will be listening, and of course, he will always meet you in the orchard. 

Because Evan was so humble, per his request a private memorial service has been planned, with his final resting place at Patterson Union Cemetery, Deersville, Ohio. 

Should you go first and I remain

One thing I’d have you do;

Walk slowly down that long lone path

For soon I’ll follow you

I’ll want to know each step you take

That I may walk the same

For some day down that lonely road

You’ll hear me call your name.

     -Your true love Margaret

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