William G. “Bill” Reed, 88, of rural Crawfordsville passed away Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, at Hickory Creek. He accepted salvation and was baptized in the Walnut Fork Creek.

He was born Dec. 1, 1932, at Lakeview Hospital, Danville, Illinois, to Vernal and Helen (Mason) Reed.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Beverly; two daughters, Kathy (Steve) Lidester, New Market, and Karin (Rob) Davis, Marshall, Missouri; two sons, Rick (Cheryl) Davis, rural Crawfordsville, and Ron Reed, Chandler, Arizona; 10 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

At the age of 15, he moved to live with his uncle and aunt, the Wilkinsons, in Montgomery County. Bill attended Linden High School, graduating in 1950. He was twice president of the alumni association. While in the Air Force, he fell in love and married Beverly Johnson of Columbus, Ohio. He often said, “She has been a wonderful wife.”

Bill worked part-time during everyone’s busy season, and had many experiences where he watched and learned. He farmed custom spread fertilizer chemicals for Clifton Quigg for 31 years. He harvested wheat, oats, corn for many years. He also worked at the Post Office 23 years full-time, was a full-time Realtor for 15 years and was Realtor of the Year 1994 as well as board president in 92-93.

His favorite work — harvesting, especially west. He enjoyed western hospitality, honesty and helpfulness, enjoyed his crew. They worked hard, played hard and said we don’t get mad, just get even. It’s a different world out west.

Bill enjoyed jokes, laughter, friends and travel. Walking in many shoes would help him understand other’s problems. Indian saying, “Don’t judge your brother until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.” Bill felt he had made many mistakes, the main one he should have been a better example for Jesus Christ and kept his family in church. He loved his family.

“You get only one chance to make your unchangeable past and you’re making it each minute and death is certain in this life. Please think serious about it. God bless each and every one of you.” ­— Bill

Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Wednesday at Burkhart Funeral Home. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2 at the funeral home, after which he will be laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery North.

Online condolences may be made at www.BurkhartFH.com.