Lawrence E. “Corky” Reed, 85, Columbia City, passed away at 8:36 a.m. Sunday, June 20, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne.

Lawrence E. “Corky” Reed

Born July 20, 1935, in Roanoke, he was the son of Noel Sr. and Lilly (Mendenhall) Reed.

Corky attended Roanoke High School and graduated with the Class of 1953. On June 30, 1956, he married Bonnie L. Johnson in Huntington.

He was General Manager at Panel Mart Inc. for 27 years in Fort Wayne and also worked 10 years at Builder’s Mart in Columbia City.

Corky was a member of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church. He had also served in the past on the Advisory Board of Jefferson Township in Whitley County, and as a member of Parish Council at St Patrick’s Catholic Church, Arcola. He was an avid bowler and also coached the Roanoke Little League and CYO Basketball at St. Patrick’s for many years. Corky was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. He loved watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in all of their athletic and extra-curricular events and in addition, was a longtime supporter of all Columbia City Athletics.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie Reed, Columbia City; children Rick Reed, Fort Wayne, Scott (Gayle) Reed and Van (Lynn) Reed, both of Columbia City; siblings Charles Reed, and Nola Osman, both of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Becky Jo Reed, and brother Noel Reed Jr.

Friends may call from 1-5 p.m. Sunday June 27, 2021, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with reciting of the Rosary at 12:45 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday June 28, 2021, at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, 315 South Line Street, Columbia City, with calling one hour prior.

Burial will follow in Covington Memorial Gardens, Fort Wayne.

Memorial donations may be given in memory to Masses at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church or Becky Jo Reed Memorial Scholarship.

Demoney-Grimes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave online condolences or sign the online guest book, visit the funeral home website.