Edgar E. Reed

Edgar "Gene" Eugene Reed, age 92, of Sullivan, Missouri, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family at his home.
Gene was born on December 7, 1932, in Sullivan, Missouri, to the late Edgar and Sarah (Bandy) Reed. He grew up attending school at the Reed's Defeat Schoolhouse until the passing of his father, at which time he began working to help care for his younger siblings and support his family.
At the age of 20, Gene proudly entered the United States Army. He served honorably during the Korean War and was promoted to the rank of Corporal before his discharge. After returning home, he married Helen Landon-Stevens, and together they were blessed with three children: Steven, Dianna, and Susan. They raised their family in Sullivan, where Gene worked for the City of Sullivan Street Department. Gene and Helen later divorced, but remained connected through their children and shared family ties.
He later began working at the Pea Ridge Mines as a heavy equipment mechanic until its closure in the 1970s. After the mine's closure, Gene took courses at East Central College in Heavy Equipment Operation. He went on to start his own business, Reed Hauling and Backhoe Service, which he operated until his health no longer allowed him to.
Gene enjoyed riding horses, taking his motorcycle out for a drive, and spending time visiting with his family. He simply loved being outdoors and "piddling" with things. He also built motorcycles, had a passion for classic cars, and appreciated the simple pleasures in life. Gene was a quiet, humble man who kept to himself, but he was a believer in the Lord and prayed faithfully for his family and friends each day.
Gene is survived by his loving children: Steven Reed, Dianna Waggoner and husband Joseph and Susan Lunn and husband Gary all of Sullivan, Missouri; six grandchildren: Brad Oldham and significant other Stacey Welch, Chris Oldham and wife Toni, Matthew Oldham and wife Heather, Corey Mueller, Janet Heppermann, Tanner Lunn; 14 great – grandchildren; 3 great – great – grandchildren and one on the way; a brother, Don Reed and wife Trudy of Sullivan; his former son – in – law, Greg Dieckhaus of Sullivan, Missouri; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Helen Reed; his parents, Edgar and Sarah Reed; two sisters, Shirley Woodcock and Audrey Spindler; and two great friends, Ray Koppelmann and Glen Hecht.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3 PM, Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church of Bourbon with Pastor Todd Holman.
Visitation will be 1 – 3 PM, Saturday, November 22, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church of Bourbon, prior to the memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bourbon United Methodist Church.
Friends may send their online condolences to Gene's family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
All arrangements are under the care and direction of the Eaton Funeral Home and Cremation Center of Sullivan. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edgar E. Reed, please visit our floral store.