Kenneth G. Reed, 78, of Chetopa, died at 3:10 p.m., Sunday, July 23, 2023, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born June 19, 1945, in Oswego, Kenneth was the son of James and Armina Claudine (Riddle) Reed. He was 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.
Kenneth and Judy Pease were united in marriage in June 26, 1964 in her parents’ living room in Chetopa. Judy preceded him in death May 28, 2007.
Kenneth is survived by his son Mike Reed (wife, Angela), of Grove, Oklahoma; his daughter, Lisa Lahey (husband, Kevin), of Parsons; six grandchildren, Mikelynn Reed (husband, Shane Vernon); Jacob Reed; Nathan Prose; Jimmy Hallam; Gage Lahey; and Garrett Lahey. Nine great-grandchildren; and brother, John Reed of Chetopa also survive.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judy; and one sister, Patty Walker.
The graveside service will be at 10 a.m., Friday, July 28, 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.