Ronald L. Reed

Ronald Lee Reed, the son of Lloyd V. Reed and Blanche H. (Sharp) Reed, was born on September 14, 1942, in Flagler, Colorado. He died on October 22, 2022, at Smith Center Health and Rehab in Smith Center, Kansas.

Ronald was one of nine children born to Lloyd and Blanche. He was raised on a farm south of Flagler, Colorado, and he graduated from Flagler High School in 1960. He was united in marriage to Dianna Faye Rogers on September 22, 1963, in Flagler, Colorado, and to this union was born two children.

Ron joined the Colorado State Patrol in 1966, where he served for 11 years. He then took a position with Colowyo Coal Mine in Meeker, Colorado, as a safety engineer. In 1979, Ron’s love for the farm prompted him to move his family to Esbon, Kansas, and they started Reed’s Dairy. In 1981, upon the death of his sister, Ron brought his nephew home from Colorado.

Ron served on the Mid-America Dairy Board of Directors, the Central Area Council Board of Dairy Farmers of America, Mid-West Dairy Association Board, American Dairy Association Board, and he was the President of the White Rock School Board for 8 years.

Ron is preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings.

He is survived by his wife Dianna of the home, sister Eleanor Short of Vale, Oregon, daughter Tanna Lee Miller (Glen) of Lyons, Kansas, son James Dee Reed (Linda) of Esbon, Kansas; nephew Matthew Eli Levin (Karolyn) of Verona, Wisconsin. Granddaughter Amanda Lee Stone of Hutchinson, Kansas, grandson Landon James Reed (Mayela) of Manhattan, Kansas, grandson Derryck Flavion Walker of Glasco, Kansas, granddaughter Emily Sue Pierce (Daniel) of Mankato, Kansas, great-grandson Waylon Henry Pierce of Mankato, Kansas, great nieces and nephews, Jessica, Essie, Ryan, Tanner and Alex, along with numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

Private Family Graveside services will be held on Saturday, October 29, 2022.

Memorial Services for friends and family will be held at the United Methodist Church in Burr Oak, Kansas, on Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 11:00 a.m.

Friends may sign Ronald’s book on Friday, October 28, from 9am – 5pm, at Melby Mortuary in Mankato.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Burr Oak Methodist Church, and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Melby Mortuary of Mankato is assisting the Reed family with these arrangements, www.melbymortuary.com