Ronald L. Reed

Ronald L. Reed, 89, born September 16, 1933, in Parsons, KS, died December 19, 2022, in Wichita, KS. Son of Martha Ellen (Toevs) and Lloyd Bryant Reed. Ron began his elementary education in a single room schoolhouse and eventually graduated from Parsons High in 1951. Ron became active duty in the U.S. Army on Feb 24, 1954 and was a Pipeline Specialist stationed in Korea during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge in Feb 1956, he spent the next six years in the Army Reserves and returning home to run the family farm while attending Parsons Junior College. After earning his Associates Degree, he moved to Wichita to attend the University of Wichita (now Wichita State) and pursue Mechanical Engineering. During his career as a machinist, Ron worked for Beech, Boeing and CAC Mold (Tool) Corporation where he spent 30+ years until retirement. After retiring, he worked part-time at his church, Westwood Presbyterian, doing odd jobs to keep himself active and busy. He was a quiet man that didn’t share his love through words but acts of service. He was a simple man that never wanted anything for himself but was always willing to help others. Ron was a proud Veteran that enjoyed gardening, bird watching, genealogy, fishing, nature walks and sports. You could always catch him watching or listening to his favorite teams; K-State, Royals and Chiefs. “Papa” also enjoyed attending the sports and activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Martha, sister, Marilyn Cousins (CA) and step-son, Alan Shepherd. Ron is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Joyce”, son, Corey, step-daughter-in-law, Beth Shepherd, (all of Wichita), step-daughter Sandra Mathews (TX) and 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. His Celebration of Life will be Friday, December 23, 2022, at Westwood Presbyterian Church, 8007 W. Maple, Wichita, KS 67209. Visitation will be Thursday, December 22, 2022 from 10am-2pm at Downing & Lahey West, 10515 W. Maple St, Wichita, KS 67209. In lieu of cards and flowers, the family requests you honor Ron by making a donation to the Kansas Honor Flight or Westwood Presbyterian Church.. You can donate by mailing a check payable to Kansas Honor Flight, P. O. Box 2371, Hutchinson, KS 67504 (put "Ron Reed" in the memo) or online at www.kansashonorflight.org/donate The family would love to send more Veterans on this trip of a lifetime like Ron was able to do with his son in 2017. Services will be live streamed at www.westwoodpc.org, scroll down the page until you find the buttons for Facebook and YouTube, click on either one to gain access to the stream.