Gene Devoe Reid

Gene Devoe Reid, age 97, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, with his loving family at his bedside. Gene was born on March 7, 1928 in Flint Michigan to John and Mae (Whitney) Reid. Gene served proudly on the USS Alabama in World War II in the Pacific and told many stories about his experiences including his time in Honolulu, and how his ship escorted the USS Missouri with General MacArthur into Tokyo Bay where they signed the treaty to end the war. In the last few years, Gene corresponded with the Historian of the ship, and learned he was one of 4 shipmates who still survive. He cherished his participation in the Honor Flight to Washinton DC in 2014. On September 4, 1948, Gene married the love of his life, Alma B. Throop, in Traverse City, Michigan. They built a life grounded in hard work, love for family, and hospitality. Together they welcomed their three daughters. In his early years Gene was a proud owner of Robertson’s Barber Shop. Known as much for his sharp wit as his sharp shears, Gene always had an arsenal of jokes that he delighted in sharing with his customers, family and friends, always followed by “a little bit of humor there”. They treasured their time spent with family and friends at their cottage on Lake Leelanau, where Gene was master of his homemade chicken and rib rotisserie and preparing stacks of M and M pancakes for the grandkids. Hospitality came naturally to him as he loved to entertain and devoted his life to pleasing all around him. Their winters were spent in Bokeelia Fl, which Gene called his “paradise”. Many local businesses there display his palm frond fish art. A man of many talents, Gene loved to sing and his personal favorites were Al Jolson songs. One of his beloved memories was singing in the local minstrel shows in the 1950’s. In the last year, he treasured his times with Miriam Pico at Meadow Valley and he was one of the first to show up in the front row to join her in song. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a gifted builder, proud of building their family home and remodeling the cottage. Gene is survived by his daughters, Jerilyn (Denny) Braun, Lori (Patrick) Kirkey, and son in law, Robert Sivek, grandchildren Gina Lake, Devon Braun, Genell Sivek, Bethany Muha, Tyler Sivek, Calvin Sivek, Allen Sivek, Katelynn Yonkers, Matthew Kirkey and 18 great grandchildren. He greets, with open arms his parents, wife Alma, daughter Kathy Sivek, and siblings Nola Steinbery, Jay Reid, Faye Crocker, and Joyce Gardy. Gene will be remembered for his humor, generosity, craftmanship, and unwavering pride in his family and country. His laughter and kindness will live on in the many lives he has touched. We would like to thank the staff of Grand Traverse Pavilions and Meadow Valley Assisted Living for their unwavering loving care. A celebration of his life will be held on June 5th at Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home where donations may be directed to the Lake Leelanau Lake Association and the Creekside Community Church.

Gene Devoe Reid

March 7, 1928 - February 3, 2026