Walter Reed ’69

Walter A. Reed III, 75, of Jackson, NJ peacefully died on October 24, 2022 at Ocean University Medical Center.

He was born in Hastings, MI and grew up in Lake Odessa, MI. Walter graduated from Hope College, Holland, MI in 1969 and then moved to New Jersey; he was a 37-year resident of Jackson Twp.

Walter received his Master of Arts degree in Counseling from Trenton State College in 1985. He worked for the Jackson Twp. Board of Education as a high school English teacher and middle and high school Guidance Counselor. He coached basketball, football, wrestling, and track and field, and refereed for the New Jersey Football Officials’ Association.

Walter also served as President of the Jackson Twp. Scholarship and Hall of Fame Committees for several years after retiring. He spent his free time playing piano, reading about history, and watching football. Walter was a decorated college football and track athlete; he appeared in the 1969 edition of Outstanding College Athletes of America and was a member of the record-holding Hope College Mile Relay team. He was well known for his wise sayings dubbed “Walt-isms” and his witty jokes. Walter was known by many names, including Mr. Reed, Uncle Walty, Old Grandpa, Dad, Coach, and Buns.

He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Toni Reed, sons, Dr. Travis Reed & wife Emily, LTC Walter A. Reed IV & wife Suzie, daughters, Danyell Schastny & fiancé Tyler Clark, Nicole Couceiro & husband Alfred, & 1st Lt Oksana Reed. He is also survived by his brothers, John ’71 & Phil ’77 Reed, and 6 grandchildren, Nate, Annabel, Jack, Colton, Charlotte & Antonia.