Robert "Mike" Reed
Robert Michael “Mike” Reed, Age 83, of Hastings, passed away on August 22, 2022, at Eaton Community Palliative Care in Charlotte, MI.
Mike was born in Battle Creek, MI on January 16, 1939, the son of Ruth and Robert Reed. Mike was raised in the Charlotte area and attended local schools graduating from Charlotte High School in 1957. Mike continued his education attending Alma College, later transferring to University of Detroit.
After finishing his education, Mike returned to Charlotte to help carry on the family business, Community Oil Company. Mike was an oil jobber for Mobil Oil, owning several gas stations and bulk plants around the Charlotte, Nashville, and Hastings area. In fact, he built the Marathon gas station/party store on the corner of M-43 and Woodlawn in Hastings. Mike left the family business to pursue a full-time career in computer programming. Mike was a self-taught computer “genius” who began writing “computer code” in the early 1970’s. His knowledge of developing specific computer programs for unique applications was years ahead of its time. He had a punch drive computer in the garage. Mike retired in 2002 after serving the State of Michigan, Department of Attorney General, as a Senior Systems Analyst.
Mike had a love of racing whether it be cars, sailboats, or ice boats. He broke the national record for drag racing with his Chevy Corvair. He was a long-standing member of the Chevair Racing Team. In 1996, Mike was inducted into the Michigan MotorSports Hall of Fame. Mike raced his sailboats all over the country winning many trophies and awards. “Reed for speed.”
On October 5, 2002, Mike married Marilyn (Mascho) Reed in Ionia, MI. The couple made their home together on Jordan Lake in Lake Odessa, MI. The couple truly enjoyed “lake life” and eventually relocated to Middle Lake in Hastings, MI. Mike loved being with friends and family, and especially enjoyed performing magic tricks, and stumping those observing with a well thought out “brain teaser.” During the summer months, Mike & Marilyn enjoyed attending car shows in their 1960 Chrysler 300F which he had purchased in 1979.
Mike is survived by his beloved wife Marilyn, his children David (Tracy) Reed, Christopher (Elena) Reed, Douglas (Jennifer) Reed, Sarah (Rob Williams) Reed, step-daughters Lindsay (David Schreiner) Mascho, Chelsey (Benjamin) Cook, 12 grandchildren, ten great grandchildren.
The family received visitors on Wednesday, August 24, 2022 from 2 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings.
A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 805 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI with Fr. Stephan Philip officiating. Mike will be lying in-state at the church 30 minutes before Mass.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Hastings, MI., conveniently located at 1401 North Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.