Howard Reed

The Heavens became a little brighter May 14, 2013. Howard Kent Reed departed this world to his Heavenly Home. Kent was born April 20, 1931 in Vernon, TX to James Curtis Reed and Verma Rook Reed. He lived in Walters, OK, Eunice, NM, Hobbs, NM and Denver City, TX.

After graduating from Denver City High School in 1949, Kent entered Eastern New Mexico UniversityPortales studying Instrumental Music Education. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1952 and played tuba in the U.S. Army Band stationed in Stuttgart and Nuremberg, Germany. He returned to ENMUP and completed his degree in 1956. While at ENMUP he participated in the Concert Choir, Barbershop Quartet, Concert and Marching Bands.

On March 29, 1956 he married the love of his life, Paula Fern Cox. He taught band in Causey, Dora, Marshall Junior High in Clovis, and Fort Sumner. He and Paula then moved to Roswell where he taught at Yucca, Sierra, and Berrendo Middle, as well as numerous elementary schools. He retired in 1991.

Kent belonged to many organizations including New Mexico Educators Association, Kappa Kappa Psi honorary band fraternity National Education Association, Chaves County Retired Educators, Spring River Mens Golf Association, and Eastern New Mexico Senior Mens Golf Association. He also played tuba in the Roswell Community Band. He was a charter member of the Secret Squirrels.

An active member of The First United Methodist Church, Kent loved singing in the Chancel Choir, traveling with them to New York City and performing in Carnegie Hall in 2001, as well as the Silver Chords, and playing in the Kaler Bells handbell choir. He also attended the Joyful Noise Sunday School class.

Kent spent many hours working away in his wood shop. Moving from a few saws and tools in his garage on Encanto to a full blown woodworking mecca in the back yard of the home he shared with Paula for the last 20 years, he lovingly made crafts for his wonderful wife to paint. They even sold a few over the years Wooden crosses in so many First Methodist members homes have his mark.

When Kent managed to get away from his shop, he could be found on the greens of Spring River Municipal Golf Course. He loved playing with his wife as well as all of his golfing buddies. He traveled around the Southeastern part of NM for tournaments often.

His dry sense of humor was enjoyed by all. He made people smile and he generously shared his love and talent of music with countless youth, many of whom are still in touch with Mr. Reed.

Ever present at any event he could be at, he was well known and loved by all of his grandchildren. Many did not even realize his name was Kent. Amanda, Chad, and Joseph always introduced him endearingly as Danny. Every one of his grandchildrens friends lovingly refer to him as Danny to this day.

Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Verma Reed sister, Judy Roberts and In Laws, Denver and Molly Cox.

He is survived by his bride of 57 years, Paula, two loving daughters Kenda Grimm and her husband Gene of Dexter and Julie Gaitens and her husband Tom of Cary, NC. Kents grandchildren held a very special place in his life Amanda Hays of Charleston, SC, Chad Hays and his wife Kellie of Rapid City, SD, and Sir Joseph Gaitens of Cary, NC. Kent was very close to his brother James Rook JR Reed and his wife Lois Marie of Abilene, TX and proud of his nephews Randall Reed and his wife Stacy of Lovington, Derral Reed and his wife Nancy, and niece Jenai Freng and her husband Jeff all of Abilene, TX. A host of relatives and friends will miss their dear Kent.

A memorial service will be held Friday, May 17 at 2 PM at First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the First United Methodist Chancel Choir or the Cowbell Bell Scholarship at 200 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Roswell, NM 88201, or any charity of your choice.

Service

Memorial Service

First United Methodist Church
200 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Roswell, NM  88201
Friday, May 17, 2013
2:00 pm

Memorial Contributions

200 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Roswell, NM  88201


200 N. Pennsylvannia
Roswell, NM  88201