Garland Paul Reed

New Iberia – Funeral services will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 31, 2026, for Garland Paul Reed, 79, who died on Saturday, January 17, 2026.

Entombment will follow at Holy Family Cemetery.

Rev. Keith Landry will officiate.

Visitation will be at Pellerin Funeral Home on Saturday from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm.

A rosary, led by the Men’s Rosary Group, will be prayed at 11:00 am on Saturday.

Garland Paul Reed was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana on June 19, 1946, to the late Karey Gene and Louise Fournerat Reed. He met the love of his life, Marlene Bernard, the summer before his senior year. They both attended Lake Charles High School and became high school sweethearts. They were engaged while attending McNeese State University, and were married on August 10, 1968, at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in Lake Charles. Upon completing his Anesthesia training in Fort Worth, TX they moved to New Iberia to raise their family.

Garland dedicated his life to caring for others as a nurse anesthetist. He brought comfort and expertise to many, embodying the compassion and dedication essential in his field. He retired from Iberia Medical Center after 25 years of service.

His two biggest passions in life were fishing on the Cajun Rebel and LSU sports. Garland Reed leaves behind a legacy of faith, humor, and unwavering love. Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved him will carry his memory in every story told, every LSU game watched and fish reeled in. He was truly one of a kind!

Mr. Reed is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marlene Bernard Reed; children, Jason Paul Reed (Jenny), Melissa Fortenberry (Jeff), and Scott Bernard Reed (Chelsey); brother, Gordon Patrick Reed (Gathy); and six grandchildren, Brennan Paul Reed, Analeigh Kate Reed, Emma Claire Fortenberry, Reed William Fortenberry, Molly Catherine Reed, and Lewis Scott Reed.

Pallbearers will be Jeff Fortenberry, Brennan Reed, Reed Fortenberry, Lewis Reed, Michael Pugh, and David Pugh.

Honorary pallbearers will be Gordon Reed, Benny Davis, Mickey Pugh, David Feldman, Dr. James Falterman, Jr., Kevin Broussard, and Wayne Faucheaux.

The Reed family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Racheed “Joe” Ghanami, Dr. James “Jimmy” Falterman, and the staff at Pelican Pointe Rehabilitation, especially Conner Walker and Tosha Moody, NP for excellent medical care.

Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).