Ralph Reed

Ralph Reed, 88, passed away Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at his home.

Ralph was born in Perry County on December 24, 1925 to the late Hugh and Claudia (Leistner) Reed.

Ralph entered the service after graduating high school, joining the 2nd Armored Division in Germany. He saw action in the Battle of the Bulge and on April 12, 1945 was captured on the Elbe River becoming a POW until the end of the war.

Returning to Tell City, Ralph became associated with Zoercher Insurance and became President until his retirement in 1988. When it came to community affairs, Ralph devoted his time and effort. He was building chairman of his church, First United Methodist; he was past president of Tell City Kiwanis and the Chamber of Commerce. He was a member Moose Lodge, the Jaycee’s, American Legion Post #213, and VFW Post #2939. He served as President of Tell City National Bank Board of Directors and was a director of SIRS. Also included in his achievements, he became President of Big I Association from 1971-1972.

He was married on September 4, 1946 to Rose Dauby, who precedes him in death in 2013. They were married for 66 years.

Surviving are his children, Candy (Dean) Boerste of Tell City, Sheila (John) Austin of Ft. Branch, Pam (Pete) Franzman of Tell City, Sam Reed of Tell City and Tim (Debbie) Reed of Tell City; a brother Art (Lois) Reed of Alachua, FL; a sister, Iris "Hoppy" (Eugene) Stein of Evanston; grandchildren, Carrie (Brian) Merrill, Ryan and Jarrad Austin, Eric (Dana) Franzman, Brad (Katie) Franzman, Cassie (Ian) Yost, Hana, Ian, Elliot, and Eli Reed; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 AM CST Saturday, February 22, 2014 at First United Methodist Church. Pastor Lee Shepherd will officiate. Entombment will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home on Friday from 3:00-8:00 PM and Saturday 8:30-9:30 AM at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, SIRS and Perry County Memorial Hospital

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ralph Reed, please visit our floral store.