William John "Butch" Reed

William “Butch” Reed peacefully left this world on August 31, 2026 after a lengthy illness. He was born to the late Walter and Mildred Reed, on October 6, 1945. Butch was a proud United States veteran, having served in the Air Force based in Okinawa during the Vietnam War.

He was affectionately known as Butch since childhood. He was also known as Bill, to the thousands of people he assisted as a gate agent with United Airlines at TriCity airport in Freeland, now known as MBS. He definitely embraced their motto of “Fly the friendly skies of United.”

Butch lived a life that was the embodiment of kindness, selflessness, and devotion to his family and friends. He was one of the most generous and humble people to ever walk this earth. His sense of humor was infectious. He was absolutely adored by his family, many nieces, nephews and numerous friends.

Upon his return from the Air Force while out with friends, he met the former Carol Kozuch. He fell in love with her, her many younger siblings, and rambunctious family. He happily embraced the chaos and camaraderie. They married on April 17, 1971, and raised two sons, Jason and Andy. He and Carol were together for 52 years until her death on June 10, 2023. Family was everything to Butch. Upon the arrival of their grandchildren, he proudly embraced the moniker, Papa.

Butch and Carol enjoyed their numerous trips to Florida and Aruba. Butch would try his luck at the casino while Carol caught some rays in the tropical sun. He loved to fish and golf in his younger years. He was an excellent carpenter, and he and Carol rehabbed many houses over the years.

Butch also loved his annual antique garage sale. He happily spent months collecting treasures. However, he enjoyed the opportunity to endlessly chat with his fellow garage sale buyers even more. His love of hockey was evident by being a long-time season ticket holder of the Saginaw Spirit.

Butch is survived by his sons Jason (Lisa) and their children, Ava, Bella, Max and Will, Andy (Bekah) and their daughter Amelia, brother Dick, in-laws Bill (Fritzi Stevenson) Kozuch, Jeanne (Bill) Allsopp, and Dick (Shelley) Kozuch. He was predeceased by Carol, brother Gerry, sister Diane, in-laws Isidore (Easy) and Joan, Dan and Dave Kozuch, his parents and sister- in-law Carlene Reed.

Butch’s family would like to thank his numerous doctors and caregivers from the VA, McLaren and MyMichigan for their care and support throughout his numerous illnesses. His last days were spent at home with his family, and under the amazing care of his hospice nurses through MyMichigan.

Butch lived a life of compassion and kindness. His friends were numerous, and his family fortunate to have had him in their lives for 80 years. In honor of Butch, his family asks that you do one random act of kindness in his memory. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in his name may be made to Toni and Trish House, Auburn, MI.

A celebration of life will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026 at the Gephart Funeral Home. His family will greet family and friends at the funeral home from 2:30 p.m. until the time of service. A private family inurnment, where he will join Carol, will take place at St. Anthony Cemetery in Fisherville at a later date.