Lawrence A. Reed

Reed Lawrence A., 63, of Midland, MI died early Monday morning, Nov. 4, 2002. at his home after a difficult and courageous struggle with non-smoker's lung cancer. He kept his sense of humor and his trust in God throughout his last, difficult year. He was born October 29, 1939 in St Paul, MN, the son of John F. & the late, Audrey (Bynum) Reed. He graduate from Alexander Ramsey High School. He held chemical engineering degrees from the University of Minnesota (B.S.) and Northwestern Universtiy (M.S.), as well as an MBA degree from Central Michigan University. He also completed the PMD program at Harvard University. He was a member of Signa Xi, the Scientific Research Society. March 24, 1961 he married Lois Ann Fuglie, who survives him. He is also survived by father, John F. Reed of Altamonte Springs, FL; his daughters, Patricia (Thomas) Leeds of Pewaukee, WI and Kathleen (Amir) Beshai of Grand Junction, CO; grandchildren, Courtney and Justin Leeds and Ryan and Jared Beshai; his sister, Shirley Tylo of Zellwood, FL; niece, Laura (Paul) Eisenhardt of Apopka, FL; and one grandniece, Betsy Eisenhardt also survive him. He was in the Navy R.O.T.C. program at the University of Minnesota, and served for 2 years on active duty on the U.S.S. Franklin D. Roosevelt CVA 42. He joined Dow Corning in 1964, and had a 28-year career with the company, holding a range of positions that included process engineer (1964), Finance director for Dow Corning Europe (1973), corporate controller (1976), and vice president and Chief Financial Officer (1978) and Executive Vice President responsible for Dow Corning's global business (1981). In 1984, he was named president and Chief Operating Officer, and in 1988 he assumed the CEO position. He retired in 1992. He was a member of the Dow Corning Board of Directors from 1984-95 and he also served on the Boards of Directors of Chemical Financial Corporation, Chemical Bank and Trust Co, Joslyn Corporation, and the Chemical Manufacturers' Association. He was a Member of the advisory committee to the U.S. Trade Representative and Secretary of the Department of Commerce. He was also on the board of CPI Engineering Services, where he served as president for a period of time. He served on the Endowment Committee of St John's Lutheran Church for many years, and he also assisted the Stewardship Committee. He also served on the Endowment Committee of Chippewa Nature Center and was a member of the President's Advisory Committee for McKay Communications from 1994 to 1996. He was instrumental in establishing the Dow Corning Tennis Championships. He enjoyed the out of doors and participating in sports, playing basketball, golf and tennis, bicycling and skiing, hunting and fishing. After retirement, he became a tennis umpire, and enjoyed officiating at meets. A funeral service will be held 1:00 pm Friday, November 8 at St John's Lutheran Church. Pastors John Pohanka and Douglas Janetzke will officiate. The family will receive friends at the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 West Wheeler Street, on Thursday from 2-4 and 6-8 and at the church on Friday from 12 noon until time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider St John's Lutheran Church, Chippewa Nature Center, or Mid Michigan Visiting Nurses Hospice Program. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at lareed@tm.net

Published on November 7, 2002