Obituary of Howard Reed

Howard “Dallas” Reed had to step down from his “Gut Bucket” having passed away July 31, 2015. He was born April 16, 1938 in Tulare, California. He had leukemia for the last fifteen years and also lung cancer for two years. He had to call his partners Wayne and Doug and tell them he could no longer perform. Dallas was born listening to music. His father, a banjo player, played with groups in the Bakersfield Ventura area of California and practiced at home. These groups occasionally included Spade Cooley and Johnny Cash. During high school he studied music and played the trumpet. In his senior year the Tulare Union High School Band marched in President Eisenhower’s inaugural parade. His first job was at the “Del Monte Lodge” in Monterrey. He delivered room service to Clark Gable, Red Skelton, Bing Crosby and many other entertainers. From this he developed his desire to “please the crowd”. The aviation boom lured him into the electronics industry and took him to Dallas, Texas. While in Dallas he played the guitar with local Mexican bands but he developed pneumonia and lost one lung. Recovery took him to Apple Valley, California. He soon was backing Glen Moore at the Apple Valley Inn. Here he developed his “Gut Bucket” talents and got the name “Dallas” from a regular that couldn’t remember his name. A job with a chemical supply company brought him to the Verde Valley. He found residency in Cornville and joined Larry Pearson in playing local clubs. He and Larry formed “the Cornville Philharmonic”, a junk band that played at events and parades throughout the Verde Valley. He also combined with Len Bacon and Eugene “Doc” Berry to form the “Old Country Boys” that played around the Verde Valley and at Cliff Castle Hotel and Casino. He continued playing in groups up to the present time with the “Rusty Zippers”. He entertained until time and strength ran out He is survived by his brothers, Jerry Reed and Richard Reed and his sister, Delores Dawkins of California. He is also survived by his companion, Mary Guadagni who has had “The Last Dance”. A memorial service and celebration of life will be 2pm Friday, August 7, 2015 at the American Legion Post #93, 286 S. 3 Street, Camp Verde, Arizona 86322.