Perry Xavier Reed

Perry Xavier Reed, age 78 of Mattoon, IL passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Brother Micah Minnich will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow at Janesville Cemetery in Janesville, IL, as Perry will take his final ride through his hometown of Lerna, IL. The visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Tuesday, April 1, 2025, at the funeral home. Perry was born on December 16, 1946, in Cotton Port, LA to the late Alva H. and Lura M. (Firmin) Reed. He married Leona M. Denton December 13, 1966, in Mattoon, IL; she preceded him in death on April 14, 2013. He later married Robin Jean Denton on September 13, 2014; she survives and resides in Mattoon, IL. He is also survived by two children: Tina M. Reed of Mattoon, IL, Misty D. Bishop and husband Jerry of Toledo, IL: grandson whom he helped raise, Chris A. Reed and wife Amanda of Loogootee, IN; three stepchildren: James D. "Dan" Denton of Toledo, OH, Bryon G. Denton of Bismark, IL, Jennifer L. Denton of Paris, IL, Melissa S. Vanlandingham and husband Samuel of Trilla, IL; thirteen grandchildren: Katy, Paisley, Harper, and Elly Joy Bishop, Heather Richardson, Matthew and Rayden Reed, Jason Denton, Nora and Noah Vanlandingham, Spencer, McKenzie, and Abigail Denton; one great grandchild, Liam Reed, two sisters, Donna R. Smith and husband Leon of Lerna, IL, Sheila J. Littleton and husband Phil of Mattoon, IL: one brother-in-law, Duane Winkleblack; and special Army buddy, Roger Walker. He was preceded in death by one son, Allen H. Reed; one brother, Wayne Reed; and one sister, Brenda Winkleblack. Perry was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served in Germany during the Vietnam era. He was a faithful member of the Church of God in Mattoon, IL where he served as pastor’s helper and taught Sunday school for many years. He retired from Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and Sunbeam Bread Company both of Mattoon, IL. He was a member of the Corvette Club, and enjoyed cars, trucks and trading vehicles. Fun-loving and lighthearted he delighted in storytelling and pulling pranks on his loved ones. Perry was a humble man of great faith, who put God first. His role as a Christian husband, father, and grandfather was a priority that was undeniable. Protective, kind, loyal and generous, his love was unconditional. Perry will be deeply missed but his family finds comfort in knowing he is at peace with Jesus, the author and finisher of faith. The family would like to express their appreciation for the staff at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home who cared for and supported him during his final battle. Special thanks to Kari (RN), who took amazing care of him and became like family; Anita (RN) for looking after him even though she was not always his nurse; the CNA’s who cared for him with compassion; Shane (PT) who always brought a smile to his face; and Don for being the best roommate. We would also like to thank our family, friends, and members of Church of God who came to visit. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Perry Xavier Reed

December 16, 1946 - March 28, 2025