Lewis “Lew” Smith Reed

Lewis Smith Reed (Lew) was born February 6, 1924 in Los Angeles to Josephine (Frankenberger) and James W. Reed, and lived in Long Beach until his graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School.

In 1950 Lew was introduced to the love of his life, LaVerne Flanagan and they were married in Santa Barbara during Fiesta. Lew enlisted in the Army shortly thereafter, and over his military career saw action in WWII, the Korean War, and in Viet Nam with the 45th Transportation Battalion. He was stationed in Virginia, Kentucky, Greenland, Japan, Viet Nam, Thailand, Germany, the Netherlands and California. After 20 years in the Army, he retired as a Lt. Colonel and he and his family relocated from Ft. Mason in San Francisco to Santa Barbara.

Upon retirement from the Army, Lew took a position as General Manager of the Santa Barbara Police Department. While there he helped form the Tri- Counties Division of Emergency Services, and in time was recruited to the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Lew and LaVerne, best of friends, were married 52 years until her death in 2002. He is survived by his four children, Jo (Dan), Lew Jr. (Debra), Linda (Judith), Jay (Shannon), 10 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren .

Lew Reed will be remembered as a true gentleman, wonderful husband and father; a man with a fun sense of humor, wisdom and strong sense of duty to his country and family.

A graveside service will be held Friday, June 20 at 2:00 PM at the Santa Barbara Cemetery, 901 Channel Drive. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lew’s memory to the Santa Barbara Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care.