He was born on Jan. 23, 1942 in Ottumwa, Iowa to Homer and Agnes McKibben Reed. Gary was raised and attended school in Ottumwa, Iowa, graduating from Ottumwa High School in the class of 1960. Gary later attended Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa where he earned his BS, MA, and PHD. Gary was united in marriage to Janis C. Ireland on March 16, 1963 in Ottumwa, Iowa. They lived in Ankeny, Iowa until 1975 and then moved to Vincennes, Indiana where Gary worked for the USDA until 1985. He coached boys basketball and made some lifelong friendships. They moved to Hermiston and Gary worked as the superintendent at the Oregon State University Experiment Station until his retirement in 2005. Gary served on the Hermiston Cemetery Board for several years. He loved fishing, reading, and his dogs. Gary enjoyed landscaping and watching sports.
He is survived by his wife: Janis Reed, Hermiston; daughter: Christy Siebler, Hermiston; and granddaughters: Joanna & Stevie.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, a son: Jon, and a sister: Sheryl Valin.
A graveside service will be held on Monday, Oct. 5, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Hermiston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions in Gary’s memory to the Oregon Military Department, Oregon National Guard Emergency Relief Fund, Attn: DCSPER, P.O. Box 14350
Salem, OR, 97309-5047.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
