Vaughn L. Reid Jr.

Vaughn Reid Jr was born on September 28, 1934, and passed away on April 6, 2024, at The Waters of New Castle at the age of 89. He is survived by a son, Vaughn L. Reid III of New Castle, and a sister, Suzanne Wright (husband Don) of Spiceland. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vaughn Reid Sr and Ruth Irene Reid, by an infant brother, by his ex-wife, Beverly Reid, and by a niece, Lisa Ann Clark. “Junior,” as he was affectionately called by most people, dedicated his entire life to serving the citizens of New Castle and Henry County. He started out in his youth serving as a hall monitor and crossing guard then transitioned to riding along with and volunteering with the New Castle Fire Department and the New Castle Henry County Police Emergency First Aid Unit. Once Junior became an adult, he worked as a Ranger at Memorial Park and then was hired onto the Henry County Sheriff’s Department as a road deputy under Sheriff Warren Davis. While on-duty patrolling as a deputy, Vaughn was very gravely injured in a car accident in his patrol car. After many months of recovery from his accident, Junior was hired onto the New Castle Police Department and spent 23 years, achieving the rank of Captain, working on the First Aid Unit. In 1987, he retired and served two terms as the Sheriff of Henry County. After retiring from being Sheriff, Junior continued to volunteer with the Sheriff’s Department. Then he was hired by the City of New Castle to provide security for the City’s Parks and Cemetery and to escort funeral processions. He worked at this last position until the age of 86. Vaughn had a one-track mind dedicated to helping those in need. He always kept a scanner or two-way police radio with him and would respond to calls for help anytime, day or night - regardless of whether or not he was on-duty. He saved countless lives and even delivered a few babies during his lifetime of service. Junior treated everyone, regardless of the situation, with respect, and his friendly wave was a welcome sight when passing him on the road. He loved the people of New Castle and Henry County, and his lifetime of dedication showed this. Junior was the definition of a public servant to our community. A public visitation will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at First Baptist Church in New Castle, where a Time of Sharing will begin at 3:00 pm, with several community leaders offering tributes. Following the service, a funeral procession will take Junior past many of his workstations and places dear to him. Cremation will follow services. You may view the service online at 3:00 pm Saturday, April 20, 2024, by Clicking Here. The family of Vaughn Reid Jr. has set up a fund at the Henry County Community Foundation in his honor and to continue his service and memory after death. The family is asking that, in lieu of flowers, community members make a donation to the Vaughn Reid Jr. named fund on his behalf. You can contribute online by Clicking Here or in-person at the Foundation’s Office, 700 S. Memorial Dr. New Castle. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Vaughn Reid Jr.

Tributes

Vaughn L. Reid Jr.

September 28, 1934 - April 6, 2024