Deacon Charles L. Reed

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