[NOTE: This is a clipping from page 4B of an unknown newspaper, most likely the Billings Gazette. It had been cut out in 2002 by Laurie Cooper Smith’s mother in 2002 and saved between the pages of a 1997 BHS school directory. Many thanks to Laurie for finding and forwarding this obit!]

Michael Thomas Reed

Thursday, February 14, 2002

SHEBOYGAN, Wis.    Michael Thomas Reed passed away Feb. 11, 2002, at Sheboygan.

Mike was born Nov. 18, 1947, al Alton, IL, the son of Thomas Joseph Reed and Eleanor (Erickson) Reed. He spent his early years in St Louis, Mo., later moving with his family to Billings in 1961.

He is a 1966 graduate of Billings Senior High School. While in high school he became an announcer for KOOK radio, beginning a long career in media. He worked in radio, TV and print advertising throughout the northwest. Mike often hosted “oldies" radio shows and also enjoyed acting in theater productions.

He married JoAnn (Gilpin) of Casper, Wyo., in 1968 and they were together for 23 years. Mike was a loving and devoted father to his six children.

He moved to Sheboygan in 1996 and opened Big Daddy's Cigars and Pipes. His business was thriving and had become a new landmark in town.

Six months ago, Mike was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease. Even having lost his wonderful voice and most of the ability to move, he was greeting customers and friends up until four weeks ago, with the help of his son Dave.

Mike was a very kind and spiritual man. He was a member of the Crow Tribe and spent his younger years learning many traditions from his Crow family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Reed.

Mike is survived by his mother, Eleanor Reed of Billings; five sons, Michael J. (Sol) of Denver, David of Sheboygan, Paul of Estonia,  Joseph (Heather) and Anthony of Casper, Wyo.; a daughter, Merrilee Reed (fiancé Keith Johnson) also of Casper; two sisters, Kathryn Ann (Alan) Souders of Mt. Vernon, Wash., and Mary Ellen (John) Honaker of Billings; several nieces and nephews.

Mike's family always came first and he showered each of us with praise and encouragement. He was a caring son, father and brother and will be deeply missed.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 am Monday, Feb. 18, at St. Joseph's Church in Hardin. Inurnment will follow at Fairview Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of the Crow Tribe, PO Box 159, Crow Agency, MT 59022. Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the local arrangements: