Robert M. Reed | Marine sergeant, 58 (PA) former vaulter

[rainbowgirl28]

http://www.philly.com/philly/obituaries ... t__58.html

Robert M. Reed | Marine sergeant, 58

Robert M. Reed
Robert M. Reed, 58, of Norristown, a retired Marine gunnery sergeant and decorated Vietnam War veteran, died of complications from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Tuesday at Towne Manor West in East Norriton.
Sgt. Reed was a track star at Bishop Kendrick High School in Norristown and held the school record in the pole vault. He attracted the attention of college track coaches, his sister Charlotte Ridington said, but turned down scholarship opportunities to enlist in the Marines after his graduation in 1967.

During combat in Vietnam, Sgt. Reed received 11 bullet and shrapnel wounds and lost an eye. He earned a Bronze Star and Purple Heart with oak-leaf clusters.

After serving in the Marines for 10 years, he wasn't able to work full time because of his physical disabilities, his sister said. He campaigned for political candidates who were sympathetic to veterans' issues, Ridington said, and initiated the restoration of Montgomery Cemetery in West Norriton, where many veterans are buried.

He kept his sense of humor, she said, even when in excruciating pain.

In addition to his sister, Sgt. Reed is survived by sons Harrison, John, Robert Jr., Gary and Shawn; a daughter, Dawn Ramsher; stepchildren Earl Tyson and Rhonda Geyer; his mother, Barbara; a brother; three other sisters; and his wife, Shirley, from whom he was separated.

A memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. today at the Bacchi-Courtney Funeral Home, 805 DeKalb St., Bridgeport, where friends may call after 6 p.m. Burial will be on a later date in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.