Reed had a stellar 168-31 record at Coldwater from 1995-2009. He guided the Cavaliers to state championships in 2005 and 2007 and runner-up finishes in 1998, 2000 and 2009.
His overall record was 283-126-1, ranking him No. 11 all-time for wins in Ohio. He had the most victories of any coach in the state in the past decade.
Reed was a head football coach for 36 years. Before taking the Coldwater job, he coached at Lebanon (1988-93), Upper Sandusky (1983-87) and Parkway (1972-77).
He started his coaching career at Montpelier in 1969 as an assistant football and basketball coach and head baseball coach.
Reed, who was diagnosed with cancer last fall, is survived by his wife, Jan, and three children: Jacquelyn (Brent) Knackstedt, Heather (Ryan) Fisher, and his son David Reed.
John also is survived by his parents, who live in Upper Sandusky.