(1919 – 1968)
On August 3, 1919, Owen W. Reeder was born in Falkville, Alabama. After graduating from Falkville High School in 1937, he attended Auburn University earning his B.S. degree. Soon after leaving Auburn, Owen Reeder became Assistant County Agent in Covington County. He briefly held that position in Bullock County also.
During WWII, Mr. Reeder was on active duty as a 1st Lieutenant in the Air Force from 1942 to 1945. He resumed his Extension job as assistant county agent in Covington, then moved to Crenshaw County, where he was named county agent in 1949.
Until his untimely death, Mr. Reeder devoted his energy to carrying on a well-rounded Extension program. He was particularly noted for the work he initiated in peanut and coastal Bermuda grass production.
Holder of the Distinguished Service Award of the American Association of County Agricultural Agents, Mr. Reeder was a former president of the Alabama Association of County Agricultural Agents. He was held in high regard by all who knew and worked with him.
Extension lost a friend as well as a respected colleague when Mr. Reeder died on February 1, 1968. In recognition of his years of service, the name of Owen W. Reeder is inscribed on the dedicatory plaque of the Extension Memorial Chapel.
Chapel Plaque Inscription Number: 97
