John R. Reed
December 25, 2025
Resided in: Wichita, Kansas
John R. Reed, 94, Korean War Veteran and Die Cut Room Supervisor at Love Box Company for 43 years, died Thursday, December 25, 2025.
Rosary will be at 10:00 am, Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 am, both on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
John is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 56 years, Margaret (Ward) Reed; parents, John “Rich” and Nora (Hilburn) Reed; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leamon (Violet) Reed, Edward (Mary) Reed, Arthur (Louvenia) Reed; sisters and brothers-in-law, Leatha (Cecil) Griffith, and Loveta (Buford) Dulaney. He is survived by his daughters, Nora (Kent) Reilley, Kathy Reed, Patti (Craig) Akin; son, John (Mary) Reed; grandchildren and spouses, Reverend Patrick Reilley, Erica Reed, Jeff (Dani) Reilley, Danielle (Erik) Ritzman, Jacquelyn Reed, Katie (Nathaniel) Pike, Alyssa (Josh) Dennis, Matthew (Allison Turner) Reilley, Kristin (Micah) Carrubba, Sean (Humaira) Kirsch, Elisabeth (Logan Elrod) Akin, Jenna (Mason Goodroe) Reed; seventeen great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved cat, Sammy.
Memorials have been established with: Kansas Honor Flight, P.O. Box 2371, Hutchinson, KS 67504, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 132 S. Millwood, Wichita, KS 67213 and Bishop Carroll Catholic High School 8101 West Central, Wichita, KS 67212.
Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary – West Chapel.
Services
Rosary: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 10:00 am
St. Joseph Catholic Church
132 S. Millwood
Wichita, KS 67213
316-261-5800
Funeral Mass: Tuesday, December 30, 2025 10:30 am
St. Joseph Catholic Church
132 S. Millwood
Wichita, KS 67213
316-261-5800
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in John R. Reed 's name.
Bishop Carroll Catholic High School
8101 W. Central Avenue
Wichita,
KS
67212
Kansas Honor Flight
P.O. Box 2371
Hutchinson,
KS
67504
St. Joseph Catholic Church
132 S. Millwood Ave.
Wichita,
KS
67213
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Leigh Baus
I’m deeply sorry for the loss of your father, John and Mary. The Reed family will be in my reverent prayers throughout the coming days ahead.
I felt like he was a fun uncle more than just a friend of the family. I remember running up to him so he would swoop me up and hold me. He always did and he had the sweetest smile and beautiful blue eyes. I don’t remember much when I was that little 3 years or so. But I do remember Uncle John with several memories of him and the Reed family. Laughing a lot. May God bless the entire family. May the souls of the faithfully departed rest in peace. Amen 🙏
RIP John and sincere condolences to the Reed family.
I worked with John for many years at Love Box Company. He was a man of good character – definitely one of the good guys.
Thinking of you
I worked with John at Love Box Co for a long time. John was part of what I call the “ Great Old Guard” of the company. I will always remember him carrying dies around with such spring in his step and a smile on his face. My condolences to all of his family. God Bless you all.