Reed, Nelson Addington age 92, died July 16, 2018, after a prolonged illness. Nelson was a life-long resident of St. Louis and is survived by his wife of 66 years, Juliette DeConinck Reed; son, Nelson F. Reed, step-daughter Doris K. Roth, Daughter in law Carla V. Reed and Granddaughters Carol Carly J. Reed and Lillian E. Reed, his sisters Mary, Margaret and was preceded in death by his brother Bill. Nelson was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 6, 1926 to Benjamin E. and Anna A. Reed. After attending John Burroughs High School and graduating from Clayton High School in 1944, he served in the infantry during World War II where he was wounded crossing the Our River against Germany's Siegfried line. Following his military service for which he received the Purple Heart and Bronze Star, Reed pursued an interest in art and studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Arts and Washington University where he received his degree in Fine Arts. It was towards the end of these studies that Reed became interested in the study of Central American Anthropology. This resulted in the first of his four published books, The Caste War of Yucatan which dealt with a mid-19th century Mayan uprising in Mexico and Guatemala against the European colonizers. Later, married with children and an executive at the business his father started (Reed Rubber Company); Reed redirected his outside interests towards the underappreciated Cahokia Mounds. Through his efforts leading the Friends of Cahokia, Reed was able to solicit the aid of the State of Illinois to greatly expand Cahokia Mounds State Park as well as the creation of a new museum. A self-taught archaeologist, he also served a term as lead archeologist conducting digs on Monks Mound in the early 1970's. The Archaeological Survey of Illinois recently honored him for these achievements. Other related pursuits included the teaching of an upper level college course in experimental Archeology at Washington University and the creation of two documentaries on the life of a pre-Columbian Indian. Yet another divergent interest led him to take up the banner of family historian and write Family Papers, which details his ancestry through our country's history. At the same time, he found time to lead the family business into the manufacturing business with the creation of Reed Rubber Products, a profile extruder of thermoplastic rubber. He and his wife Juliette enjoyed their lives together rich in travel, creativity and friendships. In one of his many trips to Europe, he took great pleasure in traveling with his wife to her native country of Belgium and onto France along with his children and grandchildren. In more recent years, he enjoyed the establishment of a natural prairie in the back yard of his home. Husband, father, grandfather and so much else¢$º. another member of the greatest generation will be missed. Services: After a private service, a gathering of friends and family will be held at the Whittemore House, 6440 Forsyth on Saturday July 21st at noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to John Burroughs High School and Cahokia Mounds State Park. A SERVICE OF THE LUPTON CHAPEL

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on Jul. 19, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Nelson Reed

3 Entries

Angel Lopez

December 16, 2023

In heartfelt condolences to the late Nelson A. Reed, whose literary legacy continues to breathe life into the pages of his works, I found myself drawn to the profound depth of his storytelling. Reed, no longer with us, left behind a trail of words that resonated with the core of the human experience.

As I engaged with the book cover for my final graphic design project, Reed's absence became poignant. Though no longer a living force, his talent pulsed through the narrative he crafted. In the studio, surrounded by the echoes of his stories, I embarked on a visual journey, seeking to honor the man and the words that touched so many.

This creative endeavor is not just a redesign; it's a silent dialogue with a writer who stirred emotions and challenged perspectives. Nelson A. Reed, may you rest in peace, knowing that your literary legacy lives on, inspiring readers and artists who find solace and inspiration in the power of your words.

Francisco Emilio Ruz Bolio

October 16, 2023

Me llena de orgullo, como mexicano, admirar la obra de un gran ser humano. Coincidentemente, su apellido es idéntico al de aquella mujer que cautivó en una de las historias más conmovedoras de nuestro Yucatán; me refiero al amor que vivió Felipe Carrillo Puerto, prócer de esta noble estado de la república mexicana con la periodista Alma Reed, periodista del New York Times que dejaría transcurrir hasta el último día de su vida en estas tierras del Mayab, para ser sepultada junto a su amor, frente al en hemiciclo fúnebre del exgobernante en el panteón general de Mérida. Nelson Reed un hombre grande para los suyos y para nuestra orgullosa historia. Muchas gracias.

Charlie Miksicek

May 4, 2020

I had the privilege of working with Nelson Reed when he was getting into Experimental Archaeology and working at Cahokia in the early 1970's. One of the stories I will never forget about him is soaking a large basswood log in his pool so he could more easily remove the inner bark to make cordage.

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results