Lester Reed

1949 - 2023

Lester Reed

10/04/1949 - 09/04/2023



Lester H. Reed, 73, of Findlay, OH, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023 at OSU Ross Heart Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. He was surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and his sisters. He was born on October 4, 1949 in Toledo, Ohio to the late James and Shirley (Kidwell) Reed. Les worked at Rollins Leasing as a mechanic, service manager, and worked his way to district service manager which lead him to Chicago. While at Rollins Leasing he earned numerous awards acknowledging his accomplishments. Family life lead him back to Ohio where he worked at Findlay Ford Lincoln Mercury for 14 years. After establishing a second generation of children, Les and Linda started a business in Findlay, Ohio. They were the proud owners of Findlay Quality Collision which has been in business for 23 years. Les married Linda St. John on May 7, 1983 and she survives along with children, Shelli (Jeff) Blackburn, Rick (Don Aberl) Reed, Rob (Angie) Thomas, Justin (Judy) Merrick, and Lucas Reed. He is also survived by his sisters, Jackie (Mike) Wanless, Rita Caudill; grandchildren, Grant Blackburn, Grace Blackburn, Hunter Thomas, Adie Merrick, Ben Merrick, Anthony Merrick; sister-in-law, Alta Reed; and brother-in-law, Richard VanAlstine. Les had many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Reed; sister, Zoe VanAlstine; brother-in-law, Charlie Caudill; nephew, Shane Reed; father-in-law, Ralph St. John; mother-in-law, Dorothy St. John; and sister-in-law, Pat Kujawa. With Les family always came first. Les loved being around his children, grandchildren, and friends playing board games, sitting around the campfire, making fudge, having cocktail hour or just having a fun enjoyable time. Les loved to spoil his grandchildren. He would sit on the floor to play, take them school shopping, and attend their sporting events. Les was a true outdoorsman at heart including activities such as camping, fishing, golfing, boating, and hunting. Les enjoyed checking out different restaurants for dinner with family and friends. Les was a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Every winter, Les and Linda would head to Florida to be snowbirds. Les will be remembered for numerous things, but most of all his unconditional love for his entire family. He was loved by all and will be missed terribly. Our family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to all of the doctors and nurses, at the OSU Ross Heart Hospital and Blanchard Valley Hospital. The commitment and compassion they showed to Les and to our family was very comforting and we will never forget your kindness and dedication. The family has asked that those attending services come dressed in Ohio State colors.

Visitation will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME. A Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2023 at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay. There will a be celebration of Les's life right after church service at Coldren-Crates Hall. Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com

www.coldrencrates.com