John James Reed of Laurel was born on Nov. 28, 1955 in Baltimore, Md. Sadly he passed away on March 10, 2023 at his home on Forty Acres Farm in the loving arms of his wife Donna, and shortly afterwards was joined by his daughters, and his wonderful close friends. After a hard fought battle with cancer and heart issues he went to be with God, or as he would say “The big guy in the sky.”
The Laurel Airport was his home and flying was his skill, his passion, and his gift to many. He received his pilot’s license on his 16th birthday and two years later he obtained his multi engine and commercial pilot’s license. While living at the Laurel Airport he also towed gliders, banners, flew commercial trips and inspected power lines for DPL. He worked at the E.I. Dupont plant in Seaford for 23 years.
In 1996, John and Donna were married, built their home, better known as the Forty Acres Farm where he and Donna worked side by side at their poultry operation. He also worked as a school bus driver for the Laurel School District for over 20 years. He was a great pilot, wonderful husband, father, pop to his grandchildren, and a dear friend. He was “Wing Man” to many. John was the son of his loving mother, Jean Pauline (Millie) Barrett of Baltimore, Md. He was raised in Laurel by his equally loving parents, John D. and Marcella M. Reed.
John is survived by his siblings; Katherine Barrett Hyman (Kenneth) of Gettysburg, Pa., Frederick C. Barrett (Denise) of Baltimore, Md., Marcella Barrett Shellenberger (Rodney) of Hanover, Pa., Linda Barrett Gill (Bob) of Hanover, Pa., and Karen Reed (Jim Mick) of Denver, Col. John is also survived by the whole family he married and loved like his own; Miriah J. Kaufmann (David), Adele T. Edwards (John), Danielle S. Baker (Steven); and the grandchildren he so loved; Katelynn S. Stump, Jeanette M. Kaufmann, Luke J. Montgomery, Wyatt G. Baker, Elizabeth S. Montgomery, and Dallas C. Baker.
John was preceded in death by his little brother, Michael A. Barrett, all of his loving parents, his best friend of 50+ years, Alan (Mr. Sudds) Smith, and dear friends Jeff Dolby, Jimmy Vreeland and Charles Stehl. A Celebration of his Life was held for John on Saturday, March 18 at Forty Acres Farm in Laurel. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.