Reginald "Reggie" Oren Reed was born Feb. 28, 1930, in rural Scandia to Ruby (Freed) Reed and Oren Reed, and died at home surrounded by his family. Reggie was the oldest child of five born to Ruby and Oren. Reggie attended primary school at Union Valley, rural Scandia, and graduated Belleville High School. He attended Kansas State University for one semester before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. He trained at Camp Pendleton in California before being shipped overseas to serve in the Korean War as a machine gunnist and corporal. Upon his return to California, he and Jacqueline J. Lilly wed on Nov. 7, 1953, in Courtside, Arizona, and resided in Hawthorne, California, for a short time before returning to Kansas.
In 1954, they welcomed their oldest son, Michael, followed by Melinda and Mark in the years to come. In the late 50s, they purchased the Olson Homestead south of Courtland and lived in the rock house and continued to farm and raise their growing family. In the mid-60s, Reggie and Jackie purchased the Ullom place just 2 miles north which is what we call the Reed homeplace and was the family farm headquarters for many years. Reggie and Jackie lived their entire married lives in the Courtland, Scandia area where they worked hard to build their farming operation and create a life focused on farming and family for more than 60 years.
Reggie took pride in his family (especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren), crops and livestock. Grandad and Grandma always had time for grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was well-read and informed on agriculture and the world, he liked public radio and classical music, was skilled in the shop, understood the value of time and people, appreciated the arts and loved animals, babies and children. Reggie instilled values in his family like work ethic, integrity, honesty, grit, humor and love. A hard-working farmer and stockman, along with the titles of Dad and Grandad were Reggie's identity.
He and Jackie leave a legacy of these values and countless memories in their survivors: children, Michael Reed (Susan Illig), Las Vegas, Nevada, Melinda Reed-Hettick (Bob), Stevensville, Montana, Mark Reed (Saundra), Courtland, Kansas; grandchildren, Dane Reed, Janine Heincker (Carl), Matthew Hettick (Rebecka), Katie Reed-Carlgren (Bret), Michael Hettick (Anne), Davin Reed, Neely Reed-Kohmetscher (Roger), Andrew Hettick (Teddy) and Marisa Reed; 15 Great-Grandchildren: Brandt, Blakely & Bristol Carlgren; Reed and Ansley Kohmetscher; Bailee, Blair, Isabella, Blaise, Eden, Brene and Basil Heincker; Ruca Dierks, Grace and Carson Hettick and Brexton Hettick; loving sister, Patricia Dinning, Courtland, Kansas; family friend and caregiver, Theresa Campbell; loyal buddies and pets, Jet-Jack, Gus and Caroline Cookie Kohmetscher.
Reggie was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Jacqueline "Jackie" J. Reed; his parents, Ruby and Oren Reed; his parents-in-law; brothers, Max Reed, Bill Reed, Gary Reed and brother-in-law, John Dinning.
His graveside service and inurnment was held at the Courtland Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating. Friends could sign Reggie's register book from 9 a.m. to 5p.m.on Friday, Oct. 20, at Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Solomon Valley Hospice, Pike Valley FFA or family's choice and may be sent in to Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.
Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home assisted Reggie's family with the arrangements, http://www.tibbettsfischer funeralhome.com
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