Walter D. Reed

Walter D. Reed, 98, of Vermillion passed away on July 28, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Vermillion on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, beginning at 10:30AM.

Walter D. Reed was born June 1, 1924, in Dallas Center, Iowa, one of four children.  Following high school, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in August 1943.  He was assigned to B29 bomber group in, Salina, KS.  Following WWII, he entered Drake University and graduated from the College of Commerce and the School of Law. While at Drake, he regularly went to the library to read the morning paper. That’s where he met Dorothy Kelly. They married in Des Moines, Iowa, February 1, 1949. 

He was recalled to active duty in 1951 and served as staff Judge Advocate in Korea.  He returned to the U.S. in 1953 and worked in both military justice and civil law assignments.  In 1962 he earned a Master of Law degree from McGill University.

From 1967 to 1969 he served as legal adviser to the US Ambassador to Thailand.

He was appointed The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force by President Carter 1 October 1977 and served until 31 August 1980.

Following his retirement from the Air Force, he served as Dean of the USD School of Law from 1980 through 1988. 

Walter is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy; his children Elizabeth  (Bryce) Hopkins; William ( Lynette) Reed; Joseph (Joan) Reed.  Survivors also include his sister, Rosie Peters; 4 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Anne.