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Michael James 'Mike' Reid

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[November 18, 2016]  LINCOLN -  Michael James (Mike) Reid, 49, of Lincoln; formerly of Lawrenceville, unexpectedly made his final journey to the next life on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Visitation: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2016, at Lincoln Christian Church,

Service: 5 p.m. Thursday at the Church

Funeral home: Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home

Obituary

Michael James (Mike) Reid, 49, of Lincoln; formerly of Lawrenceville, unexpectedly made his final journey to the next life on Tuesday, November 8, 2016.

Mike was born in Lawrenceville on July 24, 1967, to Jim and Dianne Ernst Reid. He was Valedictorian of Lawrenceville High School’s class of 1985 and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in counseling from Johnson Bible College in Tennessee, graduating Magna Cum Laude. He went on to complete a Master of Library Science in Information Services from the University of Illinois and a Master of Arts in Philosophy and Theology from Lincoln Christian University. A true bibliophile, Mike loved his career as Assistant Librarian at Lincoln Christian University. He had published several articles in his field, some in collaboration with his colleague and supervisor, Nancy Olson.

An avid comic collector and geek culture enthusiast, Mike was a man with many interests, who read nearly anything he could get his hands on. He was a lifelong learner, always seeking knowledge and understanding and investigating new ideas. His jokes, discussions of life, and wit will be long remembered by all who knew him.

Mike married his long tine friend, Julie Gregory Reid Young in 1988. During their 17 years of marriage, his children Nathaniel James Reid, 21, of Carbondale, and Kara Madelaine Reid, 16, of Salem were born. His children were the light of his life and the most important people in his life.

He married a very good friend, his love and life partner, Ruth Maloney Halpin Reid on June 27, 2015. They created a loving home for their blended family. Mike’s absence from this life will be felt by his wife and family as well as friends, colleagues, and acquaintances worldwide.

Mike is survived by his wife, Ruth, his children, Nathaniel and Kara, and step-children Michael (Casey), Shannon, and Cameron Halpin of Lincoln.

Other survivors include his father Jim (Sherrie) Reid of Texas, his step-father Leslie Harlan of Lawrenceville, siblings Jim (Georgia) Harlan, Dennis Harlan, Steven (William) Harlan, Laura (Terry) Lawrence, Jeff (Laurie) Reid, Janet Harlan, Jeannette Harlan, John (Theresa) Reid, Heather (Jesse) Schernekau, and Amy (J.D.) Dolkey, as well as countless nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Dianne Harlan, and his grandparents, Harry and Marguerite Waltrip and Charles and Lola Reid.

Mike was a selfless, loving, amazing man and will leave a void in the world he leaves behind. He made our world a better place for all of us.

Funeral services will be held in Lincoln on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at Lincoln Christian Church, 204 North McLean St. Visitation will be from 3 to 5 pm, with a funeral service immediately following. A second service and burial will be held Friday, November 18, 2016, in Lawrenceville, IL, at First Christian Church on State Street. Visitation will be held from 12 to 2, immediately followed by a funeral service and burial service. Mike's remains will rest at Lawrenceville Cemetery.

Holland Barry & Bennett Funeral Home in Lincoln has been entrusted with his care.

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