Kenneth “Ken” Reid

A Celebration of Life for Kenneth "Ken" Reid, 70, of Chandler, Texas, is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, in the sanctuary at First Methodist Church Chandler, with the Rev. Charles Jordan officiating. Ken went to join the heavenly chorus on Aug. 22, surrounded by his family singing his favorite hymns.

Ken was born July 1, 1955, in Detroit, Michigan, to Max Reid and Jessie Joy Reid. He grew up in Springdale, Arkansas, and graduated from Springdale High School in 1973. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hendrix College in 1977, where he was a proud member of the Hendrix College Choir. He also received a master's degree in education from the University of Arkansas in 1981 and a master's degree in sacred music from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1983.

Ken dedicated more than four decades to ministry in the Methodist Church. He served as Director of Music and Adult Ministries at First Methodist Church in Chandler for 23 years, where he led the Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Children's Choir, Youth Choir, Youth Bell Choir, Children's Chime Choir and M.A.D. (Music, Art, Drama) Camps. Prior to coming to Chandler, Ken served 14 years at First United Methodist Church in Longview and at First United Methodist Church in Katy. A gifted music minister, Ken was known for doing far more than leading worship – he poured into every aspect of the church, offering care and encouragement to members, supporting ministries of all kinds and faithfully serving in countless ways, both seen and unseen.

On June 22, 1985, he married Eileen (Jones) Reid, and this year they celebrated their 40th anniversary. Together they raised three children and built a life filled with faith, music and love.

Ken was an avid Texas Rangers fan and loved going to games with his family. He also loved classical music and theater. He performed in and directed many productions with Longview Community Theater, Longview First United Methodist Church and Tyler Civic Theater.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Max and Jessie Joy Reid, and his sister, Kathy Boyer.

Survivors include his wife, Eileen Reid; son Preston Reid and wife Brooke of Pilot Point; son Ryan Reid and wife Brittany of Liberty City; daughter Allison (Reid) Hull of Tyler; sister Joene Ray and husband Russ of Springdale, Arkansas; and his beloved granddaughters, Madison Belle and Kenzie Jo, his namesake. He is also survived by his parents-in-law, Warren and Janelle Jones of Katy, and many other loved ones.

The Celebration of Life will be live streamed on the First Methodist Chandler Facebook page and www.firstchandler.org/online-worship.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Methodist Church Chandler, 507 N. Broad St., Chandler, TX 75758.