Service Details
A celebration of Reed’s life, with full military honors, will be held at 11:00 a.m., in Faithbridge United Methodist Church, 10402 Northwestern Ave., Franksville on, Saturday, August 18th, with Rev. Dan Petersen officiating. Visitation will be in the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Monday, August 20th at 10:00 a.m.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, Reed’s preference was memorials be made to either to the Faithbridge UMC Youth Program, or the Wesleyan Covenant Association, P.O. Box 667 Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43086
Reed A. Sampson, 75, passed away on Friday, August 3, 2018, with dignity, after his courageous battle with cancer; his beloved wife Jane was at his side. Reed was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on August 4, 1942, the son of the late Alfred and Myrtice (nee: Wentworth) Sampson.
Reed had a 23-year career with the U.S. Air Force, retiring with the rank of Captain. In December of 1972, he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, with a Bachelor Degree in Business Administration.
On November 25, 1987, in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, he was united in marriage the to Jane Helen Coleman. Reed entered his second career as a journalist. He was a reporter, columnist, and copy editor for the Destin Log Newspaper, Destin Florida, and the News Director at WMMK Radio, Destin Florida.
Reed was an active citizen in every community in which he lived. He was a member of Faithbridge United Methodist Church, Franksville, a past president of several Kiwanis International Clubs including, Destin, Florida, Kenosha Downtown, and West Racine, Lieutenant Governor of the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan Kiwanis District, the Society of Professional Journalists, the Society of the Pen & Sword, and the Director of Public Relations for the Babershop Harmony Society of Kenosha, Wisconsin .
Surviving are his beloved wife, Jane; son Brian Reed (Jessica) Sampson; grandson, Grayson Brian Sampson, all of Grand Prairie, Texas; sister, Carole Lynn (Lance) Kowal, of Spencer, Massachusetts; sister-in-law, Nancy Coleman, of Port Huron, MI; three nieces, two nephews, and ten great-nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Reed was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Terry Coleman.
Darryl Flinn says
My life was better for knowing Reed (and Jane). I was honored to work with Reed at the Barbershop Harmony Society and to sing with Reed in two very good quartets – one being
“3rd Avenue” and the other being “Harmony” (International Champion Seniors Quartet).
Reed was a man of much talent, honor and integrity who succeeded everywhere he landed. I cherish the memories we made together. Long live Reed Sampson!
Bob Davenport says
I am so saddened to hear this news. Reed was a great friend and mentor in marketing/public relations in the barbershop harmony world. He and Jane were a great encouragement when my wife and I fostered and then adopted two children. I will always have wonderful memories of our friendship and work together.
Julie Siepler says
Reed Samson was my supervisor and mentor for 6 years at the Barbershop Harmony Society in the public relations department. He was a kind and gentle man,.talented writer, and loyal friend. He was completely devoted to his wife Jane. Reed and Jane helped make the stressful work at international conventions almost fun!I shall miss him very much. He was a good man.
Kay Gregor says
Jane.It was with great sadness to learn of Reed’s death. It was a privilege to have worked with Reed while at the Racine Literacy Council. He was so talented!