Daren W. Reed

Daren Wayne Reed 63, from Tavares, Fl, formerly of Huntington & Andrews, IN, was born September 12, 1961, and passed away April 16, 2025, with his family at his side filling his final moments with love and comfort. He was greeted on the other side by his parents Donald and Camilla "Millie" (Huston) Reed. Still here to carry on his spirit are the people who meant the world to him: his wife and best friend of 32 years, Tammy (Preston) Reed, who walked every step of this journey with him; his mother-in-law Dovie Preston, who loved him like her own, both of Tavares, FL; his siblings Dan (Lori) Reed of Clearwater, FL and Chris (Brad) Thorp of Centerville, OH. Above all else, Daren was a proud and loving father to his four children: Annette (Justin) Spencer, Huntington, IN, Donny (Heather) Reed, Columbia City, IN, Mandy (Zach) Eller, Huntington, IN and Trisha Wirt, Dayton Beach, FL. Daren was ‘Grandpa’ to seven amazing grandchildren: Brionna (Gage) Cocklin, Blake Loar, Huston Smith, Juliana Smith, Aliyah Eller, Brooklyn Eller and Tyden Eller. He was also Great Grandpa to Axle Girvin and Uncle to many nieces and nephews. Though none of them had nearly enough time with him, the memories, laughter, lesson and love will live forever in their hearts. He didn’t just raise his kids, he raised strong, honest, hard-working people who know how to meet life head on. He taught them that your word means everything, that you show up when you say you will, and that doing things the right way-even when its hard- is truly what builds a good life. Daren wasn’t one to sit still. He lived life his way, full of hard work, new adventures, big laughs and good times. He was employed with the City of Huntington for over 20 years in many different departments, always rolling up his sleeves and doing what was needed. In 2015, he and Tammy relocated to Tavares, Fl where he retired on December 31, 2024, from Massey Services. Daren knew how to kick back and enjoy the simple pleasures. You could find him in the woods hunting anything from mushrooms to deer. Or you could find him racing dirt bikes/four wheelers or cruising the backroads on his Harley. Later in life, he slowed things down a bit and could be found on the golf course sharing a lot of laughs. Most recently he picked up a new hobby of remodeling golf carts. Much like his dad, he was always using his hands tinkering with something and being creative. You could find Daren in his chair on his patio, music playing in the background, enjoying a cold drink telling stories with his buddies. Never far from that chair or Daren’s side, you would find his loyal dog Damian. Daren wasn’t just here, he lived. And that is how we will all remember him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. There will be a Celebration of Life for Daren on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Huntington Legion Post 85 (1410 S Jefferson St). We hope all will come out, celebrate Daren and share one of his crazy stories with the family! Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Daren W. Reed

Daren W. Reed

September 12, 1961 - April 16, 2025