Dr. Reed Macarty passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in East Lansing, Michigan on April 29, 2020, leaving this world void of much love and kindness.

Reed was born in Nesbitt Hospital, Kingston, Pa, on March 25, 1953, the son of the late G. Earl Macarty and Nancy Schwall Macarty.  He graduated from Nanticoke High School, Class of 1971, earned his B.S. at Delaware Valley College, Class of 1974, and  his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from De La Salle Araneta University in the Philippines.

A veterinarian with the USDA for 30 years before his retirement five years ago, Reed was also a 20 year veteran of the United States Air Force Reserves, having attained the rank of Lt. Colonel.  Among his more notable achievements and in addition to the black belts he earned in kar khun thai, arnis, nunchaku, and American advanced combat martial arts, Reed was the AVIC of the senior leadership team of the Michigan Bovine Tuberculosis Eradication Program in 2007.  Always very proud of both his veterinary and military accomplishments in life, although he would never tell you, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren, whom he loved without end and who brought an instant smile to his face. They were his life and light.

With an ever-ready smile, a memorable giggle, and a gentle heart, Reed exuded kindness and compassion; he never said no to anybody. His winsome smile, warm voice, and ability to make people feel loved and welcome were his hallmarks.

Reed will be sorely missed by his wife, Lynette; daughter Heather Barkman (Joe), Mesick, Michigan; sons, Wes (Kenia), Lake Jackson, Texas; Taylor, who is serving in the US Coast Guard in Clearwater, Florida; and Dylan, East Lansing, Michigan; stepdaughter Erica Beene (Rob), Enterprise, Alabama; stepson Kevin Rathmann, Phoenix, Arizona; sister, Ginny Black, Rye, New York; brother, Ross Macarty, East Lansing, Michigan;  grandchildren, Jillian and Brody Barkman, Alaina and Aidan Macarty, Jameson and Geiger Beene; three nieces and a nephew; loving cousins, all of whom will miss him dearly.

A true lover of animals, big and small, and a staunch fan of MSU, Penn State, the Eagles, and Lions, Reed would want you to be kind to one another, enjoy a day at the lake in any season, but especially the summertime with sweet corn and homemade ice cream, followed by a special Sylvan Lake sunset. Reed was the epitome of kindness and humility, a gentle man with a pure gold heart who loved the simple things in life.

He will be remembered this summer at a special celebration of his life at Sylvan Lake where his remains will become a part of the place he loved best.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.rileyfuneralhome.com