Reed L. Madsen
October 17, 1925 — October 29, 2013
Reed L. Madsen
Richfield, Utah
On October 29, 2013, with his loving wife and family at his side, Reed left this earthly estate to join his son Van, his brothers and parents. Reed was born October 17, 1925, in Fairview, Utah, son of Merlin Hans and Lucile Peterson Madsen. He married Olive Alene Terry, August 21, 1946, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They lived in Arlington, Virginia, in Fairview and Mt. Pleasant before moving to Richfield in 1952.
Reed graduated from North Sanpete High School in Mt. Pleasant and the National School of Photography in Silver Springs, Maryland. He worked at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Washington, D. C. prior to serving in the South Pacific with the U.S. Navy during World War II. Retiring after a 38-year career in journalism with the Deseret News in southern Utah and special assignments in several states, he was successful with a second career as a commercial pilot and flight instructor. He logged 12,000 hours of flying, the second highest among pilots in Utah at that time.
Olive and Reed enjoyed traveling through all 50 states and 22 foreign countries. The couple owned R & R Flying Service, a gift store in Richfield and a citrus grove in Texas. He enjoyed serving others through extensive civic activities, and received several distinguished service awards. He has served as president of the Richfield Jaycees, the Sevier County Wildlife Federation, and golfing and bowling associations. He also has served as Captain of the Richfield Auxiliary Police Department; Exalted Ruler of the Richfield Elks Lodge; American Legion Adjutant; served on the Richfield Planning Commission; secretary of the Southern Utah Livestock Show, Utah Elks Association, Utah Riding Clubs Association and director on the board of the Utah Wildlife Federation.
Reed had a keen interest in hunting and fishing in Utah’s beautiful mountains and also enjoyed bowling, baseball, and golf.
He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, having served as ward membership clerk and in other auxiliary organizations.
Reed is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Olive; a son, David (Dorian) Madsen, Richfield; daughters, Terry (Nyle) Christensen, Okinawa, Japan; Connie (Allen) Durfey, Bicknell; Sulinda (Chad) Pettigrew, Martinez, California; Penny (Steve) O’Dell, Las Vegas, Nevada; daughter-in-law, Teresa (Van Madsen-Jim Dutson), Phoenix, Az.; 24 grandchildren; 43 great grandchildren; brother, Vaughan Madsen, Fairview. He is preceded in death by son, Van Reed Madsen; parents; and brothers, Blain and Ted.
The family extends their appreciation to the individuals from Gunnison Valley Hospice who cared for Reed in this, his final chapter of life. We were all touched by their loving care - thank you.
Funeral services will be Monday November 4, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Richfield 9th LDS Ward Chapel, 159 North 400 West. Friends may call at the Magleby Mortuary, 50 South 100 West, in Richfield on Sunday evening from 6 to 8 or at the ward chapel on Monday from 11:30 to 12:30. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Sevier Post #5050 and the Utah Honor Guard. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guest book www.maglebymortuary.com