Merle A. “Butch” Reed, 63, of 1440 BlairsFerry Rd., Hiawatha, died Friday, August 10, 2007, at Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy, Hiawatha, following his brave battle with cancer.

Services were held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 13, 2007, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Tom Carver. The family greeted friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 12, 2007, at the funeral home. A private burial will be held at Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion at a later date.

Butch was born June 1, 1944, the son of Donald and Frances (Driscoll) Reed, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He graduated from Cedar Rapids Prairie High School in 1962.

On June 3, 1967, he was united in marriage to Sharon Drake in Cedar Rapids. She died January 10, 2004.

For over 40 years, Butch worked as a journeyman electrician. A man who was always around to help family and friends, he enjoyed boating and loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren.

Survivors include his mother, Frances Reed of Cedar Rapids; two children, Brian (Julie) Reed of Coal Valley, Illinois, and Heather (George) Zach of Swisher, Iowa; four grandchildren, Brett Anne, Erin, Colin and Keenan; a sister, Mary A. Hynek of Florence, Arizona; and a brother, Paul Reed of Swisher.

He was preceded was in death by his wife, Sharon; his father, Donald; and a nephew, Jason Hynek.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in memory of Butch. A luncheon followed the services at the Shueyville United Methodist Church.

The family would like to send a special thank you to the wonderful staff at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for the great care given to our father.