Clyde Duane Reed, a devoted husband, loving father, cherished grandfather, and dedicated civil engineer, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at the age of 92, at home in Torrance, California. He was born in Stockton, Kansas, on September 26, 1932, to Willis Dale and Winnie May (Anderson) Reed. Clyde’s remarkable life spanned nearly a century of change, from riding a pony to a one-room schoolhouse to utilizing modern technology.
Clyde’s early life on the farm shaped his character and work ethic. Guided by his faith, he attended Phillips University in Enid, Oklahoma, and Manhattan Bible College, where he earned a degree in Bible. After being ordained, he served as a pastor for a year in Sharon, Kansas, and remained a lifelong leader in his church.
Clyde ventured west, where he attended Pacific Christian College and Long Beach State University, and embarked on a distinguished 38-year career with the City of Los Angeles. Starting as a bus driver, his keen intellect and determination led him to become a draftsman and ultimately a licensed Professional Civil Engineer.
It was in Southern California that Clyde met the love of his life, Elizabeth, at Lawndale Christian Church. They married in 1962, sharing 62 years of unwavering partnership and raising three daughters. Their commitment to family was paramount, leading them to move to North Torrance in 1974 to provide their daughters with access to better schools.
Clyde's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements and family commitment. He was a man of strong convictions and a stable presence in his home. He fostered a love for travel through driving trips across the country, encouraging an appreciation for different places. He embraced technology and was an active amateur radio operator (WB6HLS), with interests in audio technology and personal computers. In his later years, he participated in Zoom meetings with his radio club and family members, bridging the vast distance from his one-room schoolhouse beginnings.
Clyde will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his steadfast dedication to his family, his brilliant mind, and his quiet ingenuity. He leaves behind a legacy of integrity, consistency, and a profound impact on all who knew him.
Clyde is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Reed; his daughters, Susan (Tim) Taylor, Vicki Wood, and Carol (Kendrick) Gong; his grandchildren, Kylie Wood, Megan (Jordan) Tucker, Jordan Wood, Jacob Taylor, Christopher (Lindsay) Taylor, Ryan Gong, and Eric Gong: and great-grandchild Harper Tucker. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Marla Jean.