Lt. Col. Arthur William Reed (Ret.), 89, of Enid, Oklahoma, passed away Friday, May 15, 2026, after a determined battle with progressive supranuclear palsy and cancer.

Art was born in Chicago, IL, on December 27, 1936. He lived a life marked by military service, humor, storytelling, and an enduring love of teaching. Whether in a classroom, around a dinner table, or on the phone helping a struggling homeschool parent untangle algebra, Art rarely missed an opportunity to explain, encourage, or share a story.

After graduating from Luther South High School, Art forged his mother’s signature to enlist in the Army at 17. He rose through the enlisted ranks while taking college courses along the way. He ran track at North Carolina State, attended classes in New Mexico, later earned his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University and then graduated from Officer Candidate School.

Art married Judith Cromwell on December 17, 1966, beginning a marriage that spanned nearly six decades. Together, they packed and repacked homes as they followed military assignments around the world.

Art served with distinction in the United States Army and Army Special Forces during the Vietnam War. Among his many honors were the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge. During his 28-year military career, he also served tours in Korea and Germany before retiring from a final assignment at the Pentagon with the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Later in life, he reflected on those experiences in his memoir, Until We Meet Again, Old Friend: Tales of an Old Soldier, a collection of stories tracing his life from the streets of Chicago through military years and eventually the plains of Oklahoma.

In 1982, Art opened Enid Rolling Shutters, launching his business and bringing European shutters and shades to homes in NW Oklahoma. A fall off a ladder and a broken arm encouraged him to consider a new chapter.

Art began his next adventure teaching mathematics at Chisholm High School and as an adjunct professor at Phillips University. He brought endless energy to teaching at the high school level, significantly raising ACT scores during his tenure. More importantly, he inspired generations of students to believe in themselves.

Over time, he became widely known as one of the country’s most trusted guides to Saxon Math, developing an online learning program that expanded his reach far beyond the classroom. Through TeachingSaxon.com, videos, books, newsletters, phone calls, and countless emails, he helped students and parents tackle algebra, geometry, calculus, and the frustrations that often came with them. Families across the country came to know “Mr. Reed” not only for his knowledge, but for his patience, humor, clarity, and encouragement. 

Art loved socializing. Throughout his life, he participated in many civic clubs, most recently Enid Noon AMBUCS. He sponsored the Enid Outlaws basketball team and enjoyed dinners at Oakwood Country Club. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years and later joined Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He loved many things about his life, but his grandchildren were extra special to him. Some of his happiest days were spent throwing baseballs with his grandsons, cheering them on in their many sports, and talking about mathematics with the third generation, several of whom inherited Pop-pop’s affinity for the subject.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Elizabeth “Molly” Helm and husband Geoff of Enid, and Catherine “Cathy” Reed-Benge of Enid; grandchildren Harrison Maud and wife Jesheon, David Helm and wife Miranda, Jake Benge, Caitlyn Benge, and Max Benge; and great-grandchildren Arthur and Sophia Maud, as well as a loving extended family, a cadre of beloved nieces and nephews, and his recently acquired cat, Tom.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Judith; his parents, Jon and Emma Reed; two brothers; two sisters; and a beloved nephew, Scotty Rogers.

Those who knew Art will remember his quick wit, strong opinions, military discipline, love of animals, endless stories, devotion to teaching, and the unmistakable twinkle in his eye when he was making someone laugh or helping someone finally understand a difficult math problem. He never quite understood how neither of his daughters inherited his love of mathematics.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, friends, neighbors, former students, and members of the homeschool community who offered kindness, support, prayers, and encouragement throughout the years.

A private burial will be held later this month. Arrangements are handled by Henninger-Henson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Enid SPCA or Youth and Family Services of North Central Oklahoma.