John K. Reed

CHARLESTON, IL – John K. Reed,age 89, died peacefully on August 24, 2013, surrounded by his family.  The Funeral Service in honor and celebrationof his life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the AshmoreUnited Presbyterian Church and will be preceded by a two hour visitation.  There will be no public graveside service.  Arrangements have been entrusted to AdamsFuneral Chapel in Charleston. 

John was born in Ashmore, ILon August 28, 1923, the son of the late John H. and Leona (Childress)Reed.  He grew up with two sisters, MaryK. (Al) Brandt, who preceded him in death, and Margaret J. (Theron)Winkleblack, who survives.  

In 1945, John married BettyJ. Brotherton and together they raised three children; Sharon Lee (Paul) Staleyof Paris, IL, John Richard "Rick" (Becky) Reed of Charleston, and Cathie Jeanne(Jeff) Reynolds of Ashmore.  All survive. 

In 1990, John married Helen (Zerger)Krehbiel and became stepfather to her three sons; Timothy (Tami) Krehbiel ofStillwater, OK, Rodney (Theresa) Krehbiel of Hood River, OR, and Jeffrey (Pam)Krehbiel of Richmond Heights, OH.  Allsurvive. 

Also surviving are 10 lovinggrandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins,devoted friends and Rick's "brothers by choice" who called John "Dad". 

John was also known as JohnKeith, JK, and even Jake to friends and family who loved him through theyears.  He was a long time farmer in theAshmore area who surprised many with his artistic talent.  John's passion was creating metal art piecesand he spent many of his later years welding freestanding sculptures andintricate wall hangings.  He was alwayssomewhat embarrassed by the enthusiasm shown for his artwork and preferred tomake gifts of his creations instead of selling them.  Michael Jordan, of the Chicago Bulls, was therecipient of one of John's works. 

John was a proud veteran ofWorld War II.  He was attending Teacher'sCollege (now EIU) in 1943 when he volunteered for the Army Air Force.  He was trained as an Armor Gunner on a B-24bomber and was deployed to the South Pacific where he was stationed on theisland of Tinian.  John felt a righteousobligation to serve his country and followed in the footsteps of his father,who served as a pilot in World War I. After the war, he returned to Ashmore where he farmed for more than 50years. 

John always gave back to hiscommunity.  He served on the Coles CountyDraft Board; more than 20 years on the Community Unit #1 School Board; earnedhis 50 year Masonic pin from Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390; held a position on twolocal bank boards for many years; was a long time member of the Ashmore UnitedPresbyterian Church; and, later the Charleston First Presbyterian Church. 

Anyone who knew John realizedhe had a special sense of humor.  Heenjoyed life and laughter was always a part of that life.  He was generous to a fault and his childrenwere his treasure.  

The family would like toexpress deep appreciation to all those who provided care towards the end ofJohn's life.  For those wishing to donatea remembrance, the family suggests any charitable cause of the donor's choice.