Milton—Howard I. Reed passed away suddenly at home on July 10, 2022. Howard was born in his parent’s home in Milton, DE on May 8, 1948, son of the late Hall D. Reed and Clara (Richards) Reed. Telling stories of his growing up in Milton during the “simple life” was his pleasure…like spending nights (parents unaware!) on a raft with best friend, Bruce Donovan, ice skating to school in the winter, school pranks with friends, summers at parents’ cottage in Broadkill Beach, being “raised” by Margaret Rogers (his friend, Lynn Rogers mother) after his mother’s death when he was 13 and participating in wrestling and football in high school were just a few. After graduating from Milton High School in 1966, he joined the Navy (boot camp in the Great Lakes in the winter!) and spent most of the next 4 years in Vietnam, in charge of LST 1157 off the USS Terrell County. After discharge from the Navy in October 1970, he went to work for his brother-in-law, Jack Wilkerson, as an apprentice electrician. In the fall of 1975 (unemployed and awaiting the birth of his son) Howard’s friend, Doug Sentman, helped him get a job interview/employment working shift work at Barcroft Company (now SPI Pharma) in Lewes, DE. He worked his way up into the electrical shop where he retired after 35 years of service in May 2010. That same month he began his “dream retirement job” at The Rookery Golf Course in Milton. His dedication and hard work ethic was known by all. As an adult, Howard enjoyed his activity with the Jaycees, Men’s slow pitch softball team and Men’s bowing league at Milford Lanes. Howard joined Big Brother’s and Sister’s Organization where he mentored several young boys, some who were a big part of his life into their adulthood. Soon he was co-Scoutmaster with Rick Hazzard for Troop 198 in Milton (the week at Camp Nanticoke each summer brought back many stories!) and his life was enriched by the boys. From 1976-1989, Howard coached baseball with Milton Little League, making lasting relationships to the present. He always enjoyed his umpiring time but said the parent’s made the job so much harder! Howard was an active member of Goshen United Methodist Church in Milton, serving as a Youth Sunday School teacher for 15 years before taking on the Adult Sunday School class in the 1990’s until 2019 (Covid). He loved to sing in the choir and fulfilled his calling to be a Lay Leader/Servant…preaching life sermons and occasionally officiating at many funerals of friends. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his sisters, Grace Reed, Ann Clifton, Thelma Davidson, Almira Wilkerson and Charlotte Bailey and brothers Leighton Reed and Hall D. Reed, Jr. as well as his wife, Lana (Evans) Reed. Howard survived by wife of 51 years, Donna (Yourinson) Reed, son Chad Reed (Amy) and grandchildren Tyler Reed (Brooke) and Cohen Reed; as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and family. Howard enjoyed golf, deer hunting with Chad and Tyler, being part of go-kart racing with Chad and Tyler, and encouraging Cohen in lacrosse and bowling. His artistic side showed in his painting of gourds, cards and pictures given to family and friends. His family was his blessing. On Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at the Goshen United Methodist Church there will be Visitation from 2:00pm—3:00pm, followed by a Celebration of Life Service. Howard enjoyed dressing up or down, therefore, casual attire is appropriate. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to the Goshen United Methodist Church, 103 Mulberry Street, Milton, DE 19968. Arrangements are be handled by Short Funeral Services, Milton, DE. Online condolences or tributes are welcome for the family at www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com