Larry Stephen Reed (Steve) passed away at the age of 85 on Monday, July 27, 2026, at his home with his family in attendance.

He was born in Muncie, Indiana on February 16, 1941, to the late Cary Glendale and Delma (Smallwood) Reed. He attended the Yorktown Schools and received his diploma from the Trade School through Muncie Central High School. He later graduated from the Transmission School in Indianapolis and the Automotive and Diesel College in Nashville, Tennessee. He owned Transmission Technicians for several years. After selling this business, he spent time helping family and friends, including helping his brother-in-law on the family farm.

Steve had an unusual sensitive fascination with people, nature, and the things devised by man over the years -especially mechanical. He was always mentally unraveling how things worked and how they could be made to work better, whether it be tools, machinery, boat motors or wetlands, wildlife and conservation of natural resources. He was especially interested in the ways that Native Americans worked in tandem with nature – not against it. He often commented that his mind would never shut down. There was no detail too intricate to study further. He loved listening to music, especially while trying to relax.

He was interested in U. S. and world history (developmentally, militarily, politically) and how his ancestors fit into the picture. He was very proud of his membership in the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) and his position as Past Master of the Masons. He understood the central focus of Christianity in the achievements of our country and the necessity of passing on those ideas and ideals to the next generation.

Most of all, he loved his family and being able to spend time with them, especially the memorable times at the lake. He was so proud of all of them- especially his son. During his illness, he often commented, “Rich will fix it.” He loved children and always had a smile, a trick or a story for them, which many remember to this day. He was opinionated – and made that known- but did not need to change other’s opinions to relate to them. Like his Native American friends, he believed the greatest gift of man to man was - peace.

He is survived by his wife, Jane (Naderman) Reed, of 47 years; son, Richard (Renee) Reed of Muncie, Indiana; three grandsons, Austin Reed of Muncie, Alex (Danielle) Reed of Carmel, and Jacob Reed of Muncie, Indiana; two sisters, Barbara (Dr. Ron, deceased) Copeland of Florida and Cathy (Meredith) Lloyd of Muncie, Indiana; sister-in-law, Lois Reed (John Samuel) of Muncie, Indiana; several nieces and nephews: Dr. Kelli Copeland (Jeremy) Brown of Utah, Andy (Anna Jane) Reed of Indiana, Jeff (Millie) Reed of Indiana, Joel (Nancy) Reed of Illinois, Angela (David) Witty of Yorktown, Indiana, Dr. Kim (Scott) Pike of Muncie, and Tyler (Brooke) Lloyd of Pendleton, Indiana.

He was Preceded in death by his brother, John Samuel Reed; and a nephew and his wife, Chris and Vicki Copeland.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church, 1200 W. Riverside Ave., Muncie, IN 47303 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior.