CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Philip Campbell Reed, a longtime resident of Urbana, passed away on Saturday, August 24, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois. Born to Otho Leonard Reed and Berenice Campbell Reed at the Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana, Philip was 95 years old. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois L. Bauer [Dietrich (Jack)] of Egg Harbor, Wisconsin.

Philip’s lifelong passion for railroads began at the age of 16 when he worked part-time as a locomotive fireman during his last year of high school. He proudly fired the Panama Limited, the City of New Orleans, and the City of Miami locomotives. After fulfilling his military service in the US Marine Corps, where he played in the 2nd Marine Division Band at Parris Island for 22 months, he pursued a degree in geology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, while continuing his work on the Illinois Central Railroad.

In 1953, Philip married Rita Cathryn Shea of Cooksville, Illinois, and they enjoyed 68 years of marriage. They relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he worked as a geologist for the Canadian Stratigraphic Service. On weekends, he played the trombone with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra. Later, he joined the Geological Survey of Alabama in Tuscaloosa before moving to the Illinois State Geological Survey in Urbana, Illinois, in 1970, where he served as a hydrogeologist and geophysicist until his retirement in 1995.

Philip and Rita were the proud parents of three children: Mary, Mark (Vickie), and Alice. To them, he was first and foremost a devoted husband and father, a pillar of strength and encouragement for his family.

In retirement, Philip continued his passion for hydrology by authoring the book Spring Place Names and Historic Data on Springs, Licks, and Selected Water Wells in Illinois. The book, which details the historical significance of springs in the colonization of the US and references over 2,500 springs and 25 wells, remains a valuable resource for those interested in spring history and scientific study.

Condolences may be offered at Renner-Wikoff Chapel & Crematory.