Kenneth Ray "Ken" Reed

Kenneth was born on May 22, 1934 in Bates City, Missouri, the son of Willard and Kathryn Reed.  

He graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri.

He married Virginia Reed on July 17, 1953 and to this union were born two children, Becky and Michael.  

Ken was a machinist by trade for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant before retiring at the age of 57. He was a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve for 40 + years. He reached the rank of Master Chief (E-9). He was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and attended the Gudgell Park and Eden Heights Congregation. He was an elder in the church and carried out many responsibilities including Pastor. He loved serving the Lord and bringing the ministry to anyone who was in need. His second love was classic cars, namely Chrysler products and Studebakers. He could build or repair almost anything. He was a master carpenter. It was amazing how he could reproduce or repair furniture to look like new. He could see it in his mind’s eye and carry out his plan to perfection. He also loved to travel and take numerous road trips. He created a recreational vehicle out of a Dolly Madison Cookie truck. Many family vacations were enjoyed and it was later upgraded to a motor home that he and Virginia used to make many memories in their travels before Virginia preceded him in death in 1994. Ken married Joyce Reed on September 15, 2001.

He loved lending a helping hand to anyone in need. He never met a stranger and loved visiting with people especially about classic cars and collectables. For many years he always had a booth at the Strawberry and Bingham Wagner Festivals in Independence. He loved the hunt for those special items to sell in his booths. He loved to “pick” through garage and estate sales to find bargains to resell. In fact, just a few months ago he had four booths at Bingham Wagner. Every year he would say it was his last one, and this year that statement was true. He was definitely a special man who will be dearly missed by both family and friends.  

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Joyce and her family, his daughter, Becky and her husband Terry Farabi, and son, Michael and his wife Carole Reed, grandchildren, Ashley Tuttle, Blake Farabi, and Ellie Reed, Great-grandchildren, Chloe and Virginia He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles and Marvin Reed.  

Visitation will be held on Sept 28th at 9:00 am at Speaks Suburban Chapel with funeral service following at 10:00 am. Graveside service will be at Mound Grove Cemetery in Independence where he will be laid to rest. Contributions in Ken's honor can be made to the Restoration Bookstore.