Deacon Charles L. Reed

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Deacon Charles Lovelle Reed was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, papa and friend. He took the ultimate trip to Heaven May 1, 2023.

He made his earthly debut May 30, 1940 in Akron, Ohio. He was the first son of Rumaine and Gladys Reed. Upon the deaths of his parents, Charles kept a watchful eye over his younger siblings. Charles learned responsibility at an early age, in fact his first job was at the age of five, where he perfected the duties of sweeping up cut hair and shining shoes at his father’s barbershop.

Charles was very athletic. He played football, ran track and was on the high school soccer team. He graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1964. He joined the Army shortly thereafter. He spent time as a scout all over Germany during the Vietnam war and was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. He enjoyed traveling all over Europe experiencing various
cultures and people. If you knew Charles Reed, you undoubtedly heard many of these “Army” stories that he would gladly share to any eager listening audience. He fulfilled his three-year commitment and returned home with honors.

After returning from his military service, Charles was employed with the Kroger Company. Charles fell in love with Carolyn Ann Jordan and they were married in 1967. Around that time he joined Greater St. John COGIC. As a new member he became spiritually employed and faithfully served the church in many capacities for over 55 years including: Chairman of
the Trustee Board, Trustee for over 30 years, usher, bus driver, choir member, member of the men’s fellowship, and finally a Deacon of the church.

In 1990, he was honored with the prestigious “Our Man of the Year Award” by the Greater St. John Brotherhood. Charles was active in the community by serving as a Gideon. He distributed Bibles and encouraged inmates at the local prison.

After a few years they started a family and had two children. As a young man Charles began his apprenticeship as a plumber, earning the status as the first African American Master Plumber in the state of Ohio. Charles worked with the Local 42 Plumbers Union, and established his own business forming Reeds Plumbing and Heating and Pyramid Mechanical. During the construction of the Oasis of Love Church, Charles was responsible for all of the plumbing in the bathrooms. (Praise the Lord for good plumbing!) In the summer months, Charles seeing the needs of the youth in the inner city, started Cool Stop Ice Cream Truck. Most of the time he gave away his treats and did not sell them for profit. Charles loved to travel and spend time with his wife and family.

He was a devoted husband, father, papa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. His two granddaughters Michaela and Mariah are the light of his life. He learned so much from them, as they have learned so much from him.

Charles never met a stranger. He was the kindest, smartest, welcoming and most gentle loving person you could ever met. Throughout his walk through life, he impacted generations with his impeccable kindness, incredible stories, world class wisdom and larger than life fun-loving- personality.

He is survived by his wife Carolyn Reed, his son Charles Reed, his daughter Demetria K. (Michael) Drayton, his granddaughters Michaela Drayton and Mariah Drayton, his siblings, Marianne Edwards, Elaine (LaBaugh) Stansberry, Jerry Reed, Alyce Kennedy, Kay Reed and
Special Sister Shirley A. Jordan and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation 11:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Saturday, May 6, 2023 at The Oasis of Love, 190 Chester Ave. Interment 10am Monday at Mansfield Cemetery. Ministry of Comfort entrusted to MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE MANSFIELD 753 McPherson St. (formerly Williams Funeral Services). To stream the service, read the complete obituary, order flowers, view video tribute and offer condolences to the Reed Family, visit www.TheChapelofPeace.com

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Condolence Messages

  1. Rita J. Shoulders

    So sorry for your loss been knowing this family for years.Every since they moved from Ashland.We was real close to his family.He was a wonderful person.So sweetheart Rest In Heaven.Praying for you and your family.Love You All.Amen

  2. Beverly A Cline

    So sorry for your loss. God knows best. That you will understand as time passes. God be with you all.

  3. Missionary Lodia Liz Vaughn

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of transition. May the God of all comfort, comfort you all; as only he can.

  4. Debbie Jefferson

    Rest in paradise he was a gentle soul

  5. Eloise Johnson

    Please accept my condolence on the loss of our friend and brother in the Lord Chuckie Reed.
    I am praying for God’s comfort and peace over your lives from this day forward

  6. Nadine Peake

    My brother Nathaniel and I are saddened to hear of your loss. Chucky was always encouraging and kind. The scripture was always in his heart. We are praying because we know God will see you through.

  7. Praying for the family. May God keep you in His care.

  8. Charles and Patti (Cash) Ray

    Praying for the Family.

  9. Kimberly J Mitchell

    So sorry for your loss praying for the family

  10. My condolences goes out to the family ❤️

  11. Khalil and Joyce Ali

    Our love, prayers, and condolences go out to the Reed family. May you rest in Heaven.

  12. Kim Y. Hairston-Dismuke

    Praying for the Family.

  13. Im so sorry for the lost of your loved one, praying God will give you the strength and comfort you doing this difficult time

  14. Milton Murphy Stillwell

    My Condolences to the family, sending prayers and hugs. RIH my friend

  15. Ruthie Johnson

    To Carolyn and the Family of Deacon Charles L. Reed,
    You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult and trying time. We will miss Chuckie in our present lives, but we all will see him again in Heaven. Take care and God will surely see you through. May God Bless you all!
    With Love,
    Your friend always,
    Ruthie Johnson and Family

  16. Betty Palmer-Harris

    My sincere condolences to Carolyn and the Reed family for the loss of your love one. My prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

  17. Missy Patricia & Bro.Garlan Mccruter

    Ms. CAROLYN REED,YOU ARE ALWAYS IN OUR PRAYERS, OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY..MAY GOD KEEP YOU IN HIS PERFECT PEACE!!

  18. Barbara Simms

    Our Condolences to the Family,
    May the Lord give You Comfort during this
    difficult time.
    Prayer & Love
    Barbara Simms Family

  19. Elder Carrell Gandy

    I am sorry for your loss. I will keep you and your family in prayer. Your husband and you were special to me.

  20. Queen Dulin and Ronald McKinney

    Our prayers are with your loving family. May GOD wrap his loving arm’s around your family giving you strength to endure the pain and sorrow. Look to HM for guidance. RIP Mr Reed your works do follow you.

  21. Terry and Kay Chambry

    Our prayers and deepest condolences goes out to the family and ❤

  22. Elder Woodrow and Gladys Jones family. Emma

    Our prayers and love to this family. God be with you.

  23. DJ Lady C -Fayette Fortson Battle

    Sending love and prayer and my condolences at this time love you all.

  24. Barbara Bowen

    Always the kindest man I’ve ever had the opportunity to know, what a blessing he was in so many ways, never loud or bolstering, just plan nice! My condolences to Carolyn and the children, the rest of his family, and friends! What a wonderful loving man! Praise God for him!!!

  25. Hey Chuckie rest in heaven my friend

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