Frederick Reid

J. Frederick Reid, age 95, passed away at 12:30pm on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at his home in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

Fred was born in Marion, Ohio, on July 15, 1927, to Neil K. and Mary (Myers) Reid. He was preceded in death by his wife Naomi M. (Howell), whom he married on September 23, 1950, in Bexley Methodist Church in Bexley, Ohio. He is survived by his children, Barbara (Rev. James) Ellis of Wellington, Carolyn (Harold) Bernd of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Dan (Wendy) Reid of Upper Sandusky. He leaves behind seven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, one niece, and his loving companion Ellen Walton. His brother Bob preceded him in death.

A 1945 graduate of Harpster High School, Fred graduated from The Ohio State University in 1949 with a Bachelor’s degree in Business.

In the military, Fred served as a trombone player in the 521st Army Air Corps Band, now the Air Force Band.

He spent his career in the insurance business, first working in marketing administration with several Midwest insurance companies before establishing the Reid Insurance Agency of Upper Sandusky, Ohio. In 1981 he was chosen to head Grange Insurance Companies of Columbus, Ohio, from which responsibility he retired as Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer in 1995.

Retirement years for Fred and Naomi was at their fourth-generation family property at Harpster, Ohio, and their second home in Marblehead, Ohio.

Other endeavors also held Fred’s interest. He had served as Chairman of the Ohio Insurance Institute, President of the Griffith Foundation for Insurance Education, and on the Board of Trustees of Ohio Northern University, the Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts, and the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. He also served on the Board of Directors of Toledo Trust Corp. (now Key Corp.), Banc Ohio (now PNC Financial), and Commercial Savings Bank of Upper Sandusky.

Fred most enjoyed time spent with his family and leisure hours spent with his favorite recreation of playing the piano. His musical talent led to working with several big bands during the dance band era in the 1940’s.

Fred lived his life with dignity and good humor. Fred was known for wearing a necktie every day. He will be missed for his upbeat, optimistic personality.

He was a member of the American Legion and a lifelong member of the Harpster United Methodist Church. In recent years, Fred attended Tiffin Harmony United Methodist Church with Ellen. Fred considered Minister Michael Padula a good friend, and a source of great inspiration.

Public visitations will be held from 2:00pm – 6:00pm on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at the Lucas-Batton Funeral Home in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.

Funeral services will be officiated by Minister Michael Padula and will be private. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Upper Sandusky Color Guard

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Harpster United Methodist Church, Wyandot Memorial Hospital, or Tiffin Harmony United Methodist Church, and can be sent to Lucas-Batton at 476 S. Sandusky Ave. Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

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