Wayne A. Reel, Jr.

Wayne Arthur Reel, Jr. 72, of Parsons, died at 5:05 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2012 at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin following a lengthy illness. He was born May 7, 1939 in rural Coffeyville, Kansas to Wayne Arthur Reel, Sr. and Elna Mae (Moore) Reel. He lived in Altamont, to six years of age, where he attended school until moving to Parsons. He was a graduate of Parsons High School. He then served in the United States Army and, upon his honorable discharge, returned to Parsons where he attended Parsons Jr. College. He and Ellen Jean Carnahan were married June 10, 1961 in Parsons. From 1969 through 1977, he was employed by USD 503 in Parsons as a custodian. The family then moved to Houston for a short time. Upon their return to Parsons, he continued his employment at USD 503 where he worked until retiring in 1994 due to ill health. He was a member of the Berachah Church in Houston, Texas and participated in the Petrea Congregation in Parsons. He enjoyed cars, drawing, and spending time with his family. Survivors include: Wife – Jean Reel of the home, Parsons, KS One Son – Wayne A. Reel, III Parsons, KS Godson – Victor Allen Farran Parsons, KS One Grandson – Wayne A. Reel, IV One Granddaughter – Kayla Joy Reel Two Great-Grandchildren – Taylor Wayne Mahan and Marissa Joy Mahan Two Brothers – Hollis Reel and wife, Barbara Parsons, KS Donnie Reel and wife, Vickey Parsons, KS One Sister – Debbie Naff and husband, Donnie Erie, KS He was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Mae Reel and Sherry Sue Thomas. Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Wayne's family and friends will gather at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Parsons Arboretum for a potluck meal. Everyone is welcome to attend. Attendees are asked to please share photos, memories, stories and comments at the gathering. Memorials are suggested to The 506 Foundation, Inc. for scholarships. These may be left at or mailed to Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, KS 67357. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wayne A. Reel, Jr., please visit our flower store.