Kenneth Lee Reed, age 86 of Aurora, Missouri passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2021 in Mercy Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. He was born April 6, 1935 in Terre Haute, Indiana the son of Scott and Esther Reed. He met his wife, Mary Lou when he was only 7 years old while delivering papers to her family. He knew he loved Mary Lou as soon as he met her, and on September 20, 1953 they were united in marriage. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Gegory Lee, Connie Lynn, Steven Lloyd and Laura Lee.
At age 18, Kenneth began his work career employed with New York Railroad and worked for 14 years. Kenneth fired many steam engines and kept his membership with the New York Railroad Association. Later, he and Mary Lou took over a painting contracting business his dad started, together they ran a very successful Reed Painting Company in Terre Haute. Then in 1980, they moved to Missouri and opened a paint store in Kimberling City. After retirement, they lived in Republic, Sarcoxie and Aurora. In 2006, they wrote and published a book titled History of the Evansville, Indianapolis and Terre Haute Railroad. The book expressed Kenneth’s love of the railroad and all of his experiences. Kenneth helped to start the First Christian Church of Kimberling City and was very active as an Elder at Countryside Christian Church of the Ozark/ Nixa area and then became active at Westside Christian Church of Republic.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, sister Alice Stapleton and her husband Ed, son Gregory Lee Reed and granddaughter Melissa Lea Benna. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Lou; daughter Connie Lynn Benna and husband Mike; son Steven Lloyd Reed and daughter Laura Lea McClary; seven grandchildren; twelve great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
A family gathering and service will be held at a later date, information and updates will be provided by contacting clbenna@gmail.com or mrstevenlreed@gmail.com
Cremation services are under the care of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. On line condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.
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