Kenneth G. Reed

Kenneth G. Reed, 78, of Chetopa, passed away at 3:10 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Kenneth Gail Reed was born on June 19, 1945, to James and Armina Claudine (Riddle) Reed in Oswego, Kansas.  Born and raised in a Christian home, he grew up and attended school in the Chetopa area.

After graduating from Chetopa High School in 1964, Kenneth started working at Leonard Farms in the pecan groves and cattle ranch.  Most of his life was spent as a heavy equipment operator.  This profession led him to working in many places, including at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Chicago, Illinois; and throughout Kansas and Texas.  He used his skills with a bulldozer to clear land and fence lines and to build anything from terraces and golf courses.

Raised on the Neosho River, Kenneth loved to fish, hunt and camp on it.  The river was such a part of his life, that his CB handle was River Rat. His greatest joy, though, came from spending time with his family.

On June 26, 1964, Kenneth and Judy Pease were united in marriage in her parents' living room in Chetopa.  Judy preceded him in death on May 28, 2007.

Survivors include:

One son – Mike Reed and his wife, Angela, of Grove, Oklahoma

One daughter – Lisa Lahey and her husband, Kevin, of Parsons, Kansas

Six grandchildren – Mikelynn Reed and her husband, Shane Vernon; Jacob Reed; Nathan Prose; Jimmy Hallam; Gage Lahey; and Garrett Lahey

Nine great-grandchildren

One brother – John Reed of Chetopa, Kansas

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judy; and one sister, Patty Walker.

The graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m., Friday, July 28, 2023, at Oak Hill Cemetery in Chetopa.

Memorials are suggested to help with final expenses.  These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 346, Chetopa, KS  67336.