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Duard Gene Reed, 76

| March 17, 2021 1:00 AM

On Friday, March 12, 2021, Duard Gene Reed passed away at age 76 in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Gene was born on Feb. 4, 1945, in Berkeley, Calif., to Clinton and Zella Lenora Reed. He was one of six children and spent his formative years in California and Oklahoma, working on his parents’ farm, where he quickly learned the arts of raising animals and training horses.

In 1965, after high school graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Petty Officer 2nd Class on the flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk during the Vietnam War. During his service, he received multiple commendations including the National Defense Service Medal, the Silver Star for Vietnam Service, a Presidential Unit Citation and the Bronze Star for his Navy unit.

While stationed in Philadelphia he met Loretta Ann Dymek and they were married on July 8, 1967. They moved to San Diego and began their lives together. In 1973, they welcomed their only child, a daughter, Jolee, in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Gene continued in the service until 1971, when he transitioned to a career in car sales. He and his family moved throughout Southern California as Gene transferred from dealership to dealership, learning and advancing his career. In 1989, he and Loretta settled in Northern Idaho and he purchased Post Falls Mazda and became the dealer principal he had always dreamed of becoming.

Gene was always infatuated with cars and motorcycles; even as a young boy he was racing cars, fixing bikes or learning how to modify an engine to get the most out of it. He was known for his love of country music, his passion for collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia, and his “old Okie sayings,” which, if you were lucky, he would regale you with for both entertainment and to help “guide” you in life. He was a loyal friend and mentor to many.

Gene was preceded in death by his father, mother, younger brother, Billy Don, and wife, Loretta. He is survived by his daughter, Jolee, his two grandchildren: Reed and Greer, sisters Judy, Joyce, and Teresa, and his brother, Charlie.

Gene will be interred at the Washington State Veteran’s Cemetery in Medical Lake. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Hospice of North Idaho, Schneidmiller Hospice House.

To see Gene’s online memorial and leave a message for the family please visit www.englishfuneralchapel.com