Phillip Bruce Reeds

Phillip Bruce Reeds, age 80, of Martinsville, IL passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Union Hospital, Terre Haute, IN.  He was born June 14, 1943 in Paris, IL, the son of Pierce Bennett Reeds and Vera Mae (Tyler) Reeds.  On November 25, 1967 he married Diana Lynn Hensiek at the Casey EUB Church in Casey, IL.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Diane L. (Hensiek) Reeds of Martinsville, IL; children, Stephen Eric Reeds (Mary) of Sandy Hook, CT and Lori Reeds Waggoner (Bob) of Pinckneyville, IL; grandchildren, Brenden Pierce Reeds, Kennedy Grace Reeds, Hallie Elyse Waggoner and Addison Kate Waggoner; siblings, Donald Dean Reeds (Shirley) of North Fort Myers, FL and Stanley Reeds (Jeanne) of Bethalto, IL; brother in law, David Hensiek (Jana) of Casey, IL; many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces, Tyler cousins, his church family and many friends.  He was preceded by his grandparents, parents, and sister Dianne (Reeds) Stevenson.

Phil was a 1961 graduate of Martinsville High School where he was an athlete and played basketball and baseball.  He proudly served his country in the US Army.   He was an active member of the Martinsville American Legion for 55 years.  Phil was a rural mail carrier for over 41 years and a retired grain and livestock farmer. 

Phil dedicated himself to making his community a better place by holding many leadership positions over the years.  He served as the Mayor of Martinsville, IL for 13 ½ years; an alderman for 6 ½ years; a fireman for 18 years; Martinsville school board for 12 years and was active on the Martinsville Fair Board, serving as president for 4 years and as Superintendent of Speed for 22 years.  He was a faithful member of Casey United Methodist Church where he served as Chairman of the Administrative Council, Chairman of Trustees, Chairman of Finance, Confirmation Mentor, and operated the sound system. 

Phil enjoyed collecting Indian artifacts, liked to hunt deer, quail and pheasant.  He enjoyed fishing, golfing, harness racing, classic cars, and gardening.  Phil liked to travel and has traveled to four European countries, all fifty states, and hiked in many of the national parks. 

His greatest love was his family.  He enjoyed any time he could spend with his children and grandchildren and especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and cheering them on.  Phil was his grandchildren’s biggest fan. 

Phil will be deeply missed by all.  The tremendous impact he made through his good works will ensure that his memory lives on.  Martinsville has lost one of its finest citizens, but his legacy of service and leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at Casey United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Joe Richard and Rev. Tim Hensiek officiating.  Burial will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Martinsville, IL with military rites by Martinsville American Legion and Casey VFW.  

Visitation will be held from 3 – 7 p.m. on Friday evening and 10 – 11 a.m. on Saturday morning at the Casey United Methodist Church, 703 N. State Highway 49, Casey, IL.

Memorial donations may be made to Martinsville Agricultural Fair, PO Box 515, Martinsville, IL 62442 or Casey United Methodist Church, PO Box 365, Casey, IL 62420.

To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com.  Markwell Funeral Home of Casey, IL is in charge of the arrangements.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Phillip Bruce Reeds, please visit our floral store.