Sylvanus "Skip" Franklin Reed, Jr.

Sylvanus “Skip” Franklin Reed Jr. passed away at his home surrounded by family on March 14, 2022. He was born February 20, 1940 in Yankee Springs, MI.  

He was the son of Sylvanus Reed Sr. and Maxine Gile. After his father passed away during the Korean Conflict in 1950, he was raised by his mother, Maxine, and stepfather Leighton Sage.

Skip received his general education degree in Kalamazoo, MI and earned a Journeyman license. He completed his apprenticeship at General Motors of Kalamazoo and worked there for an additional twenty-two years. He was also a lifelong member of the local U.A.W. post 488 where he was treasurer for many years. As a lifelong learner, he completed a Dale Carnegie Course in Effective Speaking and Human Relations. 

In 1964 Skip met the love of his life, Pat, whom he lovingly called Patra. They enjoyed fifty-seven years of marriage. Together, they raised two children: Brenda and Michael. Skip enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Skip was a member of the Kalamazoo Corvette Club winning first place for the “What do you see Rallye” with his lifelong friend Phil Hearld.

He volunteered for seventeen years with the Mounted Division of Kalamazoo County. Skip enjoyed camping and working at the Kalamazoo County Fair. Hobbies included riding horses, hunting, and fishing.

Skip is preceded in his passing by his parents: Sylvanus Reed Sr., Maxine Sage, and Leighton Sage and brothers: James Reed and Kenneth Reed.

Left to cherish his loving memory is his wife of fifty-seven years: Patsy (Shoemaker) Reed; children: Brenda (Mike) Ward and Michael (Dawn) Reed; grandchildren: Erik Ward and Jennifer (Jacob) Brechtel; siblings: Sandra (Lisa Wilkinson) Griffin, Ronald (Sue) Sage, Bruce (Sheryl) Sage, Wayne (Marcia) Sage, Terry (Laurie Haner) Sage and Kevin (Sun) Sage; nephew Andrew “Andy” Sage; friends of fifty-six years: Linda and Phil Hearld; as well as many dear friends, nieces and nephews.

Cremation and burial have taken place. A celebration of life will be held on a date and time that is to be determined.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Skip’s guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Skip’s memory to Hospice Centrica Care Navigators.

The Reed family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.