Max Eugene Reed, 90, of Warsaw, died at 12:10 a.m. on Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.
He was born on July 30, 1931, in South Bend, Indiana, to Doris Grant Reed and Ronald F. Reed. They lived in Plymouth with relatives and Max’s father worked as a meat cutter in a family store. When he accepted a job with Kroger, the family moved to North Manchester, Fort Wayne, and came to Warsaw in 1939.
Max enjoyed playing sports and graduated from Warsaw High School in 1949. He was fortunate to attend Michigan State University. The Korean conflict was gearing up during his first year at Michigan State, and both Max and brother Bob signed up for the US Navy. He served as a Yeoman 3rd class at Fleet Activities in Sasebo, Japan aboard the SS Bradford.
Max served four years with the Navy and was discharged in 1955. His friendship with June Hicks of Columbia City had blossomed, and they married that year and headed off to East Lansing for Max to continue his education. He graduated in1958 majoring in Political Science and History and was then accepted for law school at Indiana University, Indianapolis. Max made use of his meat cutting skills (learned from his father) with part-time work at Kroger, and night classes at the law school. As he progressed with his classes, Max worked at the Indiana Department of State Revenue. He graduated from law school in 196l as a Doctor of Jurisprudence. Max accepted a position with the Widaman law office and moved his family to Warsaw. He worked there for 15 years, and in 1976 left to form his own office of General Practice, which became Reed & Earhart. His son Mike joined the firm after graduating Vanderbilt Law School in 1981. Max retired at the end of 2013 after 52 years as an attorney in Warsaw.
Max loved playing and watching sports throughout his life. He liked to travel and treated his family to many trips, some that also included grandchildren. Max was an avid reader of history, and he treasured his collection of John Grisham books. Through the years, Max served the community as attorney for the City of Warsaw, Kosciusko County BZA, and Warsaw Community Schools. He became a life member of the John C. Peterson Post of the American Legion, Scottish Rite, Warsaw Masonic Lodge No. 73, F.& A. M., and the Kosciusko County Shrine Club. He has been a member of the Kosciusko County Bar Association and the Indiana State Bar Association.
Max will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 27 years, Jean A. Reed, Warsaw; two sons: Mike (Kathee) Reed, Warsaw and Steve (Lisa) Reed, Terre Haute, and three stepsons: Jonathan (Karen) Bowers, Fort Wayne, Joel (Brenda) Bowers, Warsaw, Jamie (Rachel) Bowers, Warsaw; 15 grandchildren
and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jo Ann Pound, brother Robert E. Reed, wife June of 33 years, and two grandchildren.
Per Max’s wishes there will be no viewing or memorial services.
Arrangements for cremation are with McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel.
Donations for the Max E. Reed Memorial Scholarship Fund for future law students may be directed to: Kosciusko County Community Foundation, 102 E. Market Street, Warsaw, IN 46580.
The family would like to thank the staff of Paddock Springs, Warsaw, for their kindness and compassion during Max’s time there.
To Sign the Guestbook or Send a Condolence go to www.mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com
