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Reed Alden Millner

August 12, 1950 ~ October 17, 2026

Born in: Lake Geneva, WI
Resided in: Lexington Park, MD

Reed Alden Millner, 76, of Lexington Park, MD, formerly of San Jose, CA, passed away on October 17, 2026, at Hospice House, Callaway, MD, surrounded by his loving family. Born on August 12, 1950, at Lakeland Hospital, Geneva, WI, he was the son of the late LeRoy Hoyt Millner and was preceded in death by his biological mother, Joyce Catherine Merritt, his stepmother, Joanne Millner, and his brother, Walker LeRoy Millner. Reed was the loving husband of Patricia Ann (Raley) Millner of Lexington Park, MD, whom he married on December 16, 1978, in St. Mary’s County, MD. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Robert Norris of King George, VA and Trisha Bowles (Jason) of Hollywood, MD, his sister, Pamela Allison (Len) of North Royalton, OH, nephews (Shane Redman, Jeremy Redman (Melanie), Darren Allison, Danny Foran, and Donnie Foran, nieces (Kristen Miller, Shelley Allison, Debbie Foran (deceased), and Vicki Foran), and two grandchildren (Collin Norris and Jax Bowles).

Before moving to California in 1967, he attended elementary school and high school through his sophomore year in Palatine, IL. Reed graduated from Cupertino High School in 1969.  After graduation he worked at Bob’s Big Boy Restaurant and later as a carpenter’s helper before enlisting in the United States Navy. He served for eight years, from December 3, 1972 to December 2, 1980. During this time, he was an in-flight tech on the P-3C Orion airplane.  His duty stations included NAS Moffett Field, Mountain View, CA, Guam, Japan and NAS Patuxent River, MD. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, Battle Efficiency E Ribbon, and two Good Conduct Awards.

Reed moved to St. Mary’s County, MD from San Jose, CA in 2004, where he worked as a plumber for IAP World Services, Inc., Patuxent River, MD, for 12 years, retiring in August 2016.

In his spare time, Reed enjoyed playing video poker on trips to Las Vegas, gardening, and building landscapes, scenery, commercial buildings, and model houses for his model train layout.

All Funeral Services will be private. Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Raley, Jimmy Redman, Don Ellis, Jason Bowles, Robert Norris, and Collin Norris.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Mary’s Hospice House and American Cancer Society.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

Services

Private:

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  1. Rest easy Dad. From one sailor to another, your watch is now complete, I have the watch. Thank you for all the lessons and guidance you provided over the years. I wouldn’t be the successful man I am today without the upbringing you and Mom provided. Thank you for being there for us and we will miss you greatly.

  2. Daddy thank you for all the life lessons. All the support and encouragement. The moments when you told me you are proud of me will forever be in my heart. Rest easy my daddy. Know that Bob and I we will take care of mom.
    I love you
    Mug

  3. There are so many memories I have of Reed. One storie is when me and trish went down to there house to fix his truck. Had to run to the part store and get a set of sockets to fix it and before we left reed said he would take the sockets as a dowry for trish. It was a running joke with me and reed. Rest easy Reed you will be missed.

  4. You have my deepest sympathy. Just to let you know I will miss them so much. All of the stories you used to tell me about his trains and him coming in here getting his donuts and his cigarettes and I would always tell him you were not allowed to do that and I will always tell Trisha and him. I’m going to miss him so much. Keep the sympathy to you. Love you so much

  5. My big brother, Reed, will always be close to my heart. I have so many wonderful memories: the biggest stuffed animals given to me at Christmas, the stories he’d share when he came home on leave, the words of wisdom shared, and the biggest smile and sparkle in his eyes. His love always abundant! I will carry that and so much more in my heart always! May you rest in peace big brother!!! I love you!!!

  6. Walker told lots of stories about the trouble the he and Reed got into as kids. The stories got more embellished as the years passed, but they always ended with it all being Reed’s fault. They didn’t live close in proximity in later years, but I will never forget the sound of Reed’s voice as they talked at length at the end of Walkers life. A truly unique brotherly bond.

  7. Reed’s sense of humor was definitely refreshing! Always coming up with something quick and witty to get people laughing. His love of his trains and outdoor landscaping was so exciting to watch – his meticulous curation of his train set around the Christmas tree was an annual reminder of his love for trains. He always seemed to have some project keeping him busy. It was great knowing you Reed, you have a strong family in your wake to carry on your legacy. Rest easy… you and your charisma will be missed. To Pat, Rob, Trish, and all of Reed’s immediate and close family – my most heartfelt sympathy is with you all during this time.

  8. While I only knew you briefly, I distinctly remember your kindness. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and, more importantly, leaving such a positive, lasting impact on Darren. I know you will be greeted with open arms in the heavens. May peace be with you.

  9. I will miss my Uncle Reed. He had such an infectious laugh—you couldn’t help but laugh along with him. He brought so much light and laughter to our family gatherings, and those moments will always stay with me.
    And he had one hell of a hobby! The train city he built was incredible. The time, patience, and imagination he poured into it made it something truly special.
    I’m grateful for the memories and for having him as my uncle. Our family gatherings won’t feel the same without him, but I’ll always carry his laughter and love in my heart.

  10. From the moment I met “dad” it all made sense. Why my dearest friend Trish was so sarcastic, quick witted, stubborn, hardworking and compassionate. She was a spitting image of him and I couldn’t be more grateful that he and “Mom” (Pat) allowed me to be a part of their family. He included me on a Vegas trip and eased all my nerves about flying for the first time with jokes about the weight of all my shoes taking the plane down. I loved all of his stories and dad jokes, the faces he would make when his snacks would get discovered in his “secret” compartment under his truck seat! He was always willing to help whenever he could whether it was fixing my plumbing or driving me to work in the snow! Truly was an amazing person who was unapologetically himself! He loved his family fiercely and it showed. Thank you for the wonderful memories and to Trish I love you friend, and Mom and Bob I am so sorry for your loss, grief is the result of having been able to experience great love and we are all fortunate that we had the opportunity to love and be loved by him! Love you, mean it!

  11. Uncle Reed,

    You always made me feel seen, even when I tried to fade into the background. You gave me nicknames, looped me into magic tricks, and roped me into my first snipe hunt. I have nothing but fond memories of you. Reading through the rest of these memories I can see you left the same impression on so many others. I love you. Rest easy. From your favorite wookie, Chewbacca.

  12. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Pat, Trisha, Robert and all of Reed’s family.


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