Samuel Reed

Samuel L. Reed, Sr., 99, a life-long resident of Shippensburg, departed this life on the morning of Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Frey Village, Middletown, PA.

He was born on September 14, 1917 in Shippensburg and was married to Evelyn D. Beidel. She preceded him in death on August 25, 2012, after fifty-eight years of marriage.

Sam had a distinguished military career and worked at Letterkenny Army Depot for 35 years, including his World War II service. In WW II he was a Corporal Technician Fifth Grade, and was assigned to the 3882nd Quartermaster Truck Company in the 82nd Airborne and also served under General George S. Patton. He participated in the D-Day invasion at Normandy and was also involved in the Battle of the Bulge. A decorated war veteran with 5 Bronze Stars, he was believed to be the oldest D-Day Veteran in Cumberland County, Pa. Most recently, he was the honored guest at the US Army War College event “The US Army’s 239th Birthday Celebration”. Reed and his wife traveled to Normandy, France for the 50th Anniversary of D-Day. He has been recognized by The President of the United States, members of Congress, as well as the King and Queen of Belgium.

Sam was a member of the Oscar M. Hykes American Legion Post #223, the Durff-Kuhn VFW Post #6168, both of Shippensburg, the Battle of Bulge Memorial Group at Carlisle War College, and the Messiah United Methodist Church, Shippensburg, PA. He was well known for his skill at table tennis, winning many 1st place medals at the Pennsylvania Keystone Senior Games and qualifying four times to the National Senior Games. Sam had hobbies of collecting Native American Arrowheads, whittling & woodcarving.

He is survived by two sons, Terry L. Reed of Madison WI, Samuel L. (Sharon) Reed, Jr. of Hershey, PA; a step-daughter Martha Jane "Peaches" (David) Clayton of Lancaster, PA; four grandchildren, Tyler Reed of Madison, WI, Scott C. Reed of Atlanta, GA, Laura R. Reed of Hershey, PA, Erica (Mike) Clayton Wright of Richmond, VA; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and spouse, Sam was preceded in death by four brothers and three sisters.
His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Monday, December 5, 2016, at the Messiah United Methodist Church, Shippensburg, PA. The Rev. Dr. Francis H. Norton and Rev. Kevin E. Hughes will officiate. Interment, with military honors conducted by the Shippensburg Area Veterans Council, will follow in the Spring Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

In lieu of flowers in this Advent Season, memorial gifts may be made to the Messiah United Methodist Church c/o: The Stained Glass Window Fund, 30 South Penn Street, Shippensburg, PA 17257.