Leon R. Reed, Jr.

Leon Robinson Reed, Jr., age 96½, passed away Friday, February 28, 2020.

Born in Wilmington, Delaware, Leon was the son of the late Leon Reed, Sr. and Polly Reed. He was married to the love of his life, Norma P. (Walsh) Reed, who preceded him in death.

Leon was a proud World War II Navy veteran enlisting in 1942 and served as a gunners mate on the destroyer escort USS JRY Blakely DE 140 from 1943 to 1946. He traveled 1/4 million miles on the Blakely in 2 1/2 years, chasing subs in the Atlantic, typhoon riding in the Pacific with five trips to the Mediterranean. He completed his service after the war concluded on the USS Coral Sea CVB 43 and was discharged in 1948 after 6 years of service to his country.

After the war, Leon drove a bus for the Delaware Coach Company, then opened Reed Trucking Co. with his brother George. He then drove a tractor trailer as an independent and finished his career driving a school bus, until he was in his 80’s. Leon retired to take care of Norma until she passed in 2003. He then lived with his oldest daughter Donna until he passed.

Leon enjoyed his children and his grandchildren, boating, camping and lived a full life. He will be remembered fondly by all those that knew him and loved him.

Leon is survived by his daughters, Donna Dunning and her husband, John, Susan Turner and her husband, Robert, Patti Smedley and her husband, Charlie; son, Bobby Reed and his wife, Becky; along with 13 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.  In addition to his wife and parents, Leon was preceded in death by his brother, George Reed and sister, Vivian (Reed) Murphy.

A brief Committal Service will be held at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery Chapel, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE 19701 at 11 AM on Friday, March 6, 2020.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Huntington’s Disease Foundation, PO Box 912, Salado, TX 76571.

To offer condolences, please visit:

Beesonfuneralhome.com

302.453.1900

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