Harold E. Reed

With family at his side, the Alzheimer's Villain stole the life of Harold Elias Reed, 83, at Landis Homes, Lititz, PA, December 13, 2017, but Harold had the last word! Beyond the villain's reach, Harold was welcomed to his heavenly home because of the love of God, the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit! Praise be to God!

Born in Petoskey, Michigan to the late George M. and Elizabeth Newswanger Reed, he was also predeceased by his stepmother, Anna Reed and siblings Anna Mary, Ruth and Paul Reed. Harold is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara Keener Reed, children Galen and Grace Reed, both of Lancaster, PA, Gwendolyn (Dwayne) Blankenship of Richmond, VA, Gennifer Reed, Bayfield, WI, granddaughter Tanya (Ron) Freiberg of Willow Street, PA, great-granddaughters Emma and Ada Freiberg, step-great-granddaughter Teresa Freiberg, siblings Dorcas Danner (late James), New Oxford, PA, John Reed (Carolyn), Harrisonburg, VA, Irene Zimmerman (Jay), Denver, PA, sister-in-law Ethel Reed, Dayton, VA, and eight nieces and nephews.

Harold was a graduate of Lancaster Mennonite School, Eastern Mennonite University and Princeton Theological Seminary, with additional studies elsewhere.

Pastoral Christian ministry began at Chester, PA, then in Somalia for fourteen years with Eastern Mennonite Missions. As Human Resources Director and Africa Administrator for EMM, he traveled annually to Europe, Eastern and Southern Africa, offering missionary support and fostering relationships with local churches. He served Charlotte Street and East Chestnut Street Mennonite Churches in Lancaster as interim pastor, and as bishop for the Lancaster District of Lancaster Mennonite Conference. Until illness curtailed formal ministry, Harold also served as chaplain at Garden Spot Village, New Holland, PA. Adept at administration and a good listener, he blessed family and those he worked with, and had skill in vehicle maintenance.

Harold was a member of James Street Mennonite Church, Lancaster, PA. While Alzheimer’s stole memory and cognition, it did not destroy his gentle and gracious spirit. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and caregivers. Family extends special thanks to Landis Homes and Hospice and Community Care for their excellent, loving care in his last years. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to:

• Landis Homes Caring Fund, 1001 E. Oregon Rd, Lititz, PA 17543,

• Eastern Mennonite Missions, 53 W Brandt Blvd, Salunga, PA 17538, or

• Hospice and Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.

A viewing will be held at Landis Homes, West Bethany Chapel, on Saturday Dec 17 from 5:30-8:00PM. A Memorial Service will be held at James Street Mennonite Church, 323 West James Street, Sunday December 18 2:30PM. Private interment will occur at Erisman Mennonite Cemetery. To send the family online condolences visit us at www.groffeckenroth.com.

Arrangements by Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland, PA