Joseph Amos Reed passed away in Helena on October 18, 2013 at age 66. He was born January 15, 1947 to Francis and Delores (Ward) Reed in New Castle, Indiana. Joe married and divorced resulting in two children Joseph A. Reed Jr. and Lena M. Sullivan.
Joe was enlisted in the United States Army March 15, 1966 and was honorably discharged on March 5, 1972. During his time serving our country, he served four tours in the Vietnam War and attained a ranking of SP5. He was active in the East Helena V.F.W 10010 for many years and was the Post Commander for a short time.
He had numerous occupations after his seven years of service, mainly an automobile mechanic. He was the lead mechanic for Nick Halverson Team #11 and worked at the East Helena Chillers Chevrons as a car repairman.
When Joe was young he loved outdoor sports like hunting and fishing. Some other activities he enjoyed were wood carving and building computers. Joe was a natural musician and a very talented artist.
Joe is survived by his: daughter Lena M. Sullivan for Hood, TX; brother, James A. Reed of WaKeeney, KS; sister, Marie A. Poe of Helena; grandchildren, Trysten and Che Reed of Eugene, OR, Caitlyn Paul of Fort Hood, TX, Dallas and Evelyn Sullivan of Fort Hood, TX; nephew, Daniel (Leasa) of East Helena; niece, Lin Poe of East Helena and numerous other special nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his companion, Ellen Graves who was a dear friend. Joe is preceded in death by: parents; son, Joseph Amos Reed Jr.; brother, Howard Black and two sisters, Betty Kerhley and Marilyn Heit.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Monday October 28th at Retz Funeral Home. Immediately following will be a burial with military honors at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A memorial in Joe’s name may be sent to Shodair Children’s Hospital, PO Box 5539, Helena, MT 59604 or to the Lewis & Clark Veterans Council, c/o Dennis Streeter, 1272 Lucchese Rd., Helena, MT 59602. Please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 24, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday October 28, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday October 28, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Lane
Fort Harrison, MT
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday October 24, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday October 28, 2013
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, MT 59601
Burial with Military Honors
Immediately following the memorial service
Monday October 28, 2013
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Hero's Lane
Fort Harrison, MT
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Cheryl Sullivan says
My heart goes out to you Aunt Marie…Uncle Jim..and all of you who had him in your life every day. Family grows apart and I know we didn’t stay in contact but that doesnt mean we didn’t think of him or lose love for him. Family, even though you lose contact is still family and the love never goes away. I have such good memories of Uncle Joe and have sat here and thought about when I was growing up and coming to stay in Roundup at Grammas house…The playing of the guitar and singing….those are some of my most fondest memories. Memories last forever…he will always be in your hearts as he will be in mine…even though he is not by your side physically doesnt mean he isn’t by your side spiritually. Rest well Uncle Joe. Love…Sugar
Dave Hamilton says
I remember watching Uncles Joe and Jim fighting in the front yard and Grandma Reed whooping both of them with a broom ’til they quit; watching Uncle Joe cutting the entire floorboard out of his Nova to install a floor shifter and asking why he did that when he only needed a 3″ hole and him looking at him like I was the dim one…….; Uncle Joe tossing a fake hand grenade into my bedroom when he got back from ‘Nam in ’69…….and laughing like a mad man when I ran out; His ’69 Mach 1 Mustang in downtown billings racing everything that moved………….he swore me to secrecy : ) It was wayyyyy fun. I think I was , hmmmmm, 13? Fishing for catfish in the Musselshell…………..
Lena Sullivan says
Thank you for all the shared memories of my father. He was quiet a character.
Richard "Lee" Cory says
“Nitro Joe” Was a Mad Scientist. Some off the wall ideas that were really cool
Worked and learned with him for many years at Schiller’s. R.I.P. Joe.
Linda Anderson for Kim Utick says
Joe was for years a close friend to our daughter, Kim, who lived next door to him, when it was called Sunset apartments. He was always very kind and patient with her and helped her out when she was ill or her disabilities were too difficult for her to handle. Kim talked to him a couple of times daily until his last hospitalization, so she will miss him dearly.
Cheryl Sullivan says
Tomorrow is the service and I so wish I could be there. Please know my thoughts and prayers will be with you tomorrow and always. It will be a very hard day for you all and it will be here also.
The Bliss Family says
To Jim, Marie and Joe’s family members…
We are so sorry to hear about Joe! So young with so much more living to be had. We have such wonderful memories of the Reed family, especially while we all lived in Sumatra with you, and then in Roundup. An exciting time for young kids, without a lot of rules. Joe will always have a special place in our hearts! Thinking of you all!
With Love From,
The Bliss Family
Athna May ‘Edna May’ Bliss Porter
Mary Jane ‘Janie’ Bliss Baird
Bill Bliss Jr.
(Nick passed away Nov 18 2012)
(Barney passed away May 18 2013)
(Pa Bliss – Bill Sr. passed away in 1988, and Ma Bliss – Edna passed away in 1997)
And from:
The Green Family ‘Linda, Ted, Vivian, Penny’
And the rest of the gang from Sumatra, Montana, who grew up with, and fondly remembers, Joe, Jim, Marie and their folks!
The Reed Family, ( Dan ) from Helena says
In response to all the thoughts and memories, thanks for all your responses to uncle Joe’s passing. Joe was a big part of our life here in Helena. He taught a lot of things to me since the early age of 12. Like how to properly throw a wrench when ticked off. From one memory uncle Jim told me about was when grandpa told Joe to take the kittens that he had in a burlap sack , to the creek and drown them. When Joe came back he gave the sack back to grandpa, witch then grandpa noticed Joe’s coat moving with the kittens inside. About ten years ago I was getting some bulbs for my truck . And out of the blue he tells me the part number. I looked at him and said ,I thought you were loosing your memory? He turned and looked at me and smiled, saying ,That’s what they think! He will not be forgotten! Thanks for the caring memories everyone. From our family; Marie Poe Joe, sis , Jim Reed, brother , Dan Reed,Lin Poe