Paul Melvin Reed

Paul Melvin Reed, 86, of Sykesville, MD, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, June 16, 2023, at the BridgingLife Dove House Hospice in Westminster. Born June 18, 1936, he was the son of the late Walter Vernon Reed and Virginia Reed, nee Carpenter. He was the loving husband to Ruth McKinney. Surviving in addition to his wife are stepdaughters, Michelle Nottoli of Clearlake, CA and Mara Kully of Fresno, CA; sister Margaret McPherson of Westminster, MD, nephew William (Lisa) McPherson, niece Amy Garrison and companion, Warren Frizzell and many other friends and family members. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother-in-law, George McPherson.

Paul honorably served in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserves as an Aerial Surveillance and Military Intelligence Officer and rose to the rank of Colonel. He received the Korea Defense Service Medal and Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Bronze Service Stars amongst many other medals. He received his bachelor’s degree in History from Bucknell University and his Master of Liberal Arts Degree from Johns Hopkins University. He then served a full career in Imagery Support for the Central Intelligence Agency. He spent many years as a recruiter for the U.S. Military Academy, West Point. He was very active with his local VFW and American Legion Posts in Mariposa, CA. He was a private pilot and loved his Beechcraft Debonair which he used to volunteer with the California Civil Air Patrol, Doctors without Borders, Mariposa Sherriff’s department search and rescue and trips to OV-1 Mohawk Association reunions, of which he served as the executive director for several years. He loved his golden retrievers and owning German cars with his favorite being his Porsche 914. He recently returned to Maryland to spend his remaining years enjoying family, making new friends and meeting other veterans in the area. He was well known for his generous spirit and volunteerism. He was a member of the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Sykesville, MD and enjoyed a special bond with Father Tim.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 11 am, at the St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, 13135 Forsythe Road, Sykesville, MD 21784 with a reception to follow at the church hall. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements by MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, P.A., Westminster.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Paul’s name to the BridgingLife Dove House Hospice, C/O Development Office, 200 Memorial Avenue, Westminster, MD 21157, or St. Barnabas Church, P.O. Box 1426, Sykesville, MD 21784.