Barry Stanley Reed, 82, of Rolling Prairie, IN, passed away, after a long illness, on October 18th, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was born in Wichita, KS on January 8th, 1941, to Phillip A. Reed and Dorris E. (Mathews) Reed.
Barry honorably served his country in the United States Navy with the very first crew on the deck of the USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carrier. He successfully completed what was then known as frogman training, a predecessor to the Navy Seals. Barry's military role was to connect the planes to the catapults for launching. He took great pride in telling others that he performed one of the most dangerous tasks on the ship.
After serving in the US Navy, Barry met the love of his life, Carol Hengy. Barry and Carol were married on October 27th, 1962, in Mt. Ephraim, NJ. They enjoyed almost 61 years of marriage.
His favorite passion was racing cars and spending time at the track with his friends. He became well known across the sport, for his knowledge of cars and setting a record at US 30 Drag Strip in the early days of racing. Barry worked many interesting jobs and spent most of his time in the speed parts business in the early 1970's. Afterward, he spent many years in the automotive parts and paint industry.
Barry was active in the Freemasonry for over 40 years, making many lifelong friends. He was a member of Terre Coupee Lodge 204 in New Carlisle, IN, and belonged to many other Orders and Lodges throughout the years.
He is survived by his wife, Carol (Hengy) Reed; son, Matthew (Julie) T. Reed; daughter, C.J. (Mike) Kelley; grandchildren, Matthew (Jenny) E. Reed, Rachel Casto, Nathaniel T. Reed, Cody Kelley, and Tyler (Renee) Kelley; great-grandchildren, Natale Casto, Sarah Casto, Lilly Reed, Emmett Kelley, and Maggie Kelley; sister, Dorothy (Larry) White; beloved dog, Buddy; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Christine Reed; and many cherished friends.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Masonic Service with Military Honors will be held at 4 p.m. on Monday, October 23rd, 2023, at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
A time of visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until the time of service on Monday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be directed to Alzheimer's & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Street, South Bend, IN 46637.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.
