JOHN ALBERT REED

John Albert Reed of Osage City, Kansas died peacefully on the morning of October 7, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas surrounded by family and friends. He was born in Emporia, Kansas on August 14, 1950, and was so proud to have just celebrated his 75th birthday this past August. John was the son of Albert "Dick" Earl Reed and Leona "Sis" Mary Reed (Ramonda).

John grew up with his four sisters as the fourth born and only brother. He loved his sisters thoroughly and found great joy in his brothers-in-law. John graduated from Osage City High School, class of 1968. Just two years after graduating, in 1970, John began his career as a member of the Operating Engineers Local 101 as a Heavy Equipment Operator. He was a member of the union for a total of 55 years; 40 years before retiring. He could run almost all heavy machinery equipment and spoke often of the projects he worked on to build up Kansas City. He was the owner of "Reed's Stump Removal and Tree Service" for many years. John valued hard work and providing for his family as it showed in his strong work ethic. He served his community in various times of his life as President of the Lions Club and being a Charter Member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #3890 of Osage City.

John was married to Janet (Warren) Smith on September 13, 1974. They later divorced. Out of this union came his oldest daughter Stephanie and son Christopher. John married Lois Carlene (Lewis) on October 4, 1986, and they just celebrated 39 years of marriage. Out of this union came John's youngest daughter Chelsea.

John was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law Carl Lewis, mother-in-law Ruby Lewis, brother-in-law Tim Olmsted, brother-in-law Felice DiGuglielmo, nephew Travis Olmsted and infant niece Kimberly Pinick.

John is survived by his wife Carlene of the home, children Stephanie (Mike) Cruchelow of Osage City, Christopher (Janaya) Reed of Osage City, Chelsea (Mitchell) Anderson of Ottawa and nine grandchildren Kody Moran, Cierra Hamlin, Caden and Connor Reed, Reed Cruchelow, Caswell, Kincaid, Erhardt and Hendrix Anderson and siblings Lynda DiGuglielmo of Livingston, NJ, Rosalie Olmsted of Beattie, Jean (Gary) Pinick of Basehor and Patsy Rush of Topeka.

When John wasn't working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching sports. He was a member of the Osage City Country Club for years. He was always looking forward to the next Osage City Indians sporting event, Chiefs or Royals game, KU basketball or K-State football game. Some of his proudest moments and highlights of fatherhood was watching his own children and grandchildren play sports. He loved special occasions and holidays because it was a reason for being with all of his family. John had an affinity for calling people by their first and last name when greeting them while also making sure to add their place of residency as if he was announcing someone's arrival in the royal court. He was good at remembering names; a loyal friend and his smile had the ability to make people feel loved when they saw him. He had quite the sweet tooth and would want his friends and family to enjoy that late night bowl of ice cream. If those closest to him were to choose John's own words for a final goodbye they would offer a fist bump or high five and say, "Love ya, Buddy. Love you to the sky and back."

Memorial services for John will be at 10:30am on Saturday, October 18 at the Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00pm on Friday at the chapel. Inurnment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Osage City. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to the John Reed Memorial Fund (for Osage City Schools and Parks & Rec), sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS 66451.