Lionel Reed

Lionel Reed, 90, formerly of West Monroe, went home to be with his Lord on November 14, 2016 in Minden, LA. He was born February 21, 1926 in Chillicothe, TX to Ira A. Reed and Rosa Bowles Reed. He is survived by his wife of 74 years, Charlie Jane Peterson Reed. They were raised in Nocona, TX and became high school sweethearts; they eloped across the Texas state line to Waurika, OK on November 7, 1942. Mr. Reed joined the Navy in 1943 to support and defend his country in World War II. His budding knowledge of boot making saved his life from a ship that sank when they reassigned him to the military boot repair shop in San Diego, CA.

Upon his discharge, he continued his quest for excellence in creating with leather and the art of hand tooling. He made his first saddle at the tender age of about 12 for an Uncle that asked him if he would be interested. His love and interest in leather never waned. He went on to become a renowned saddle maker and master leather crafter. Making saddles for horsemen of all walks of life, from rodeo stars to political figures. His hand tooled leather creations included anything that could possibly be made of or covered with leather. Later in life, he refurbished and customized classic trucks from the ground up and fitted the complete interior from headliner, dash, door, sun visor, console, steering wheel, floor mats…..everywhere…..hand tooled leather. He won best of show on many occasions.

He dedicated his life to the Gospel of Christ as a young adult around 1948. He felt his call to the ministry and gave up his aspirations as a young farmer to go to Southwestern Assemblies of God Bible College in Waxahachie, TX. He fervently preached the gospel holding tent revivals, evangelizing, pastoring and building churches across the south. His desire to study the Bible and gain more knowledge of the Master’s word was only surpassed by his love to share that with any ear that would listen.

His easy wide smile and Texas size hearty laugh will be missed by all that knew him. He is survived by three children, Lionel C. Reed (Janet) of West Monroe, LA, Kay Read (Bill) of Summerfield, LA, and Leah Hemphill (David) of Nashville, TN; eight grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 P.M., Thursday, November 17, 2016 in the chapel of Mulhearn Funeral Home in West Monroe, LA with Rev. David Hemphill officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Thursday. Reverend Reed will be laid to rest in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Calhoun, LA.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.