Dennis Reed

CHAMPAIGN – Dennis Reed died at 10:30 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 26, 2015) at home in the arms of his loving wife and with his beloved cats keeping vigil nearby. He will be missed more than anyone can know.

Dennis Ray Reed was born on Nov. 9, 1953, at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Danville, where his mother was a nurse. His parents were Dale L. "Jack" and Alta Mae (Rice) Reed. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in the Class of 1971 and attended Illinois Commercial College.

In July 1978, he was working as the night innkeeper at the former Holiday Inn on North Neil Street in Champaign when he asked a desk clerk, Dana Finney, to go have a beer and listen to a band at Panama Red's. From that night on, they became inseparable and married on July 11, 1981, at the White Oak Church near Oblong.

Dennis was a wonderful husband who was full of surprises, such as leaving gifts in the kitchen on Ground Hog Day and April Fools. Life with Dennis was always interesting, never dull, full of fun, and he ate everything Dana cooked, proclaiming it delicious even when it wasn't.

Dennis worked in the restaurant business for more than 35 years, co-owning a local barbeque joint. No one could grill a baby back rib like he could. We were all awed by his BBQ skills which endeared him to friends, family, in-laws and strangers he met on the road, including Australia where he used the barbie to grill a fabulous local fish.

More than anything, Dennis loved music. Even when he was very ill, he arranged to go to concerts with Jimmy Buffett and the Rolling Stones, and enjoyed both events to the max. His little black sports car has license plate "Prthead."

He loved to travel and bought art showing the terrified traveler in the rental car that Dana was driving in Europe. He lived his life as he wanted, and he had no regrets. He walked his sister onto Lido Beach for her marriage just two weeks ago, and was delighted to be there.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Dana; mother, Alta; sister, Karen (David) Trautman; in-laws, Jim and Lulu Finney; and nieces, nephews and aunts he loved dearly. Five cats are looking for him. Since grade school, he was a best friend of Duane Crider. He was preceded in death by his father and brother, Dale Reed Jr.

There will be no services. Dennis was cremated and some of his ashes will be scattered in the Florida Keys, while the rest will be buried later at White Oak. A memorial celebration of Dennis' life will be held for the family and friends at his and Dana's home in Champaign.

Dennis was deeply saddened by the death of his cousin, Lewis Childress Jr., in Vietnam. Anyone wishing to remember Dennis is asked to donate to the Wounded Warriors Project in his name.

Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 710 N. Neil St., Champaign, has been entrusted with arrangements. Please join Dennis' family in sharing memories and photos of his life on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.