Ronald Reed

Ronald Lee Reed, the son of Lloyd V. Reed and Blanche H. (Sharp) Reed, was born on Sept. 14, 1942, in Flagler, Colo. He died on Oct. 22, 2022, at Smith Center Health and Rehab in Smith Center, Kan.

Ronald was one of nine children born to Lloyd and Blanche. He was raised on a farm south of Flagler, Colo. He graduated from Flagler High School in 1960. He was united in marriage to Dianna Faye Rogers on Sept. 22, 1963, in Flagler. To this union was born two children.

Ron joined the Colorado State Patrol in 1966, where he served for 11 years. He then took a position with Colowyo Coal Mine in Meeker, Colo., as a safety engineer. In 1979, Ron's love for the farm prompted him to move his family to Esbon, Kan., and they started Reed's Dairy. In 1981, upon the death of his sister, Ron brought his nephew home from Colorado.

Ron served on the Mid-America Dairy Board of Directors, the Central Area Council Board of Dairy Farmers of America, Mid-West Dairy Association Board, American Dairy Association Board, and he was the president of the White Rock School Board for eight years.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings.

He is survived by his wife, Dianna, of the home; sister, Eleanor Short of Vale, Ore .; daughter, Tanna Lee Miller (Glen) of Lyons, Kan .; son, James Dee Reed (Linda) of Esbon; nephew, Matthew Eli Levin (Karolyn) of Verona, Wis .; granddaughter, Amanda Lee Stone of Hutchinson, Kan., grandson Landon James Reed (Mayela) of Manhattan, Kan., grandson, Derryck Flavion Walker of Glasco, Kan., granddaughter, Emily Sue Pierce (Daniel) of Mankato; great-grandson, Waylon Henry Pierce of Mankato; great-nieces and nephews, Jessica, Essie, Ryan, Tanner and Alex, along with numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

A private family graveside service will be held Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at the United Methodist Church in Burr Oak, at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022.

Friends may sign Ronald's book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Friday at Melby Mortuary in Mankato.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Burr Oak Methodist Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Melby Mortuary of Mankato is assisting the Reed family with these arrangements, http://www.melbymortuary. com