Reginald O. Reed

Reginald “Reggie” Oren Reed was born February 28, 1930, in rural Scandia to Ruby (Freed) Reed and Oren Reed, and peacefully passed 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 November 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 50’s, 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-60’s, Reggie and Jackie purchased the Ullom place just 2 miles north which is what we call our Reed homeplace and was our 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 over 60 years.

Reggie took pride in his family (especially his grandkids and great-grandkids), 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, NV, Melinda Reed-Hettick (Bob), Stevensville, MT, Mark Reed (Saundra), Courtland, KS.  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 & 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, KS.  Family friend and caregiver Theresa Campbell.  Loyal buddies and pets Jet-Jack, Gus & Caroline Cookie Kohmetscher.

Reggie is 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.

Graveside service and inurnment will be held at the Courtland Cemetery on Saturday, October 21, 2023 at 11:00 am with Pastor Sandra Jellison-Knock officiating. Friends may sign Reggie’s register book on Friday, October 20, from 9am – 5pm, 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, PO Box 566, Belleville, Kansas, 66935.

Tibbetts-Fischer Funeral Home is assisting Reggie’s family with these arrangements, www.tibbettsfischerfuneralhome.com