Bobby Lee Reed, age 78, of Humboldt, Kansas, passed away, Wednesday, November 13, 2019, at his daughter’s home in Topeka, Kansas. Bobby was born March 18, 1941, in Erie, Kansas to Leo A. Reed and Olive M. (Newton) Reed.
Bobby grew up in the Erie and Chanute, Kansas area. Bobby married Phyllis E. Krone on October 18, 1968, at Chanute. They made their home in the Humboldt, area. This union was blessed with two children, Stephen and Loretta. Shortly after Bobby and Phyllis’ marriage, Bobby joined the Army National Guard in 1965, where he earned a National Defense Medal, a Sharpshooter Award, and a Good Conduct Medal. In 1968, he volunteered for active duty and served until February 1969.
After serving his country Bobby worked in the oil fields around Humboldt for Mid America Refinery before going to work as an over the road freight hauler for Bone’s Trucking and Becker’s Trucking. He took great care and pride in his work, earning a 5-year perfect Safety Award, while he was driving. Later in life, Bobby worked as a crossing guard for the Humboldt Elementary School. He had many interests including hunting especially with his Father in Law in his early years. He was an avid fisherman and NASCAR fan, especially fond of Dale Earnhardt, Sr and Jr throughout his life. He very much enjoyed having coffee with the guys every morning at various locations including McDonald's in Iola and Chanute, and H and H Grill in Humboldt. He and his wife rarely missed a chance to play BINGO at various locations around the region when they were able. His recent hobbies included attending dirt track races with his son, visiting his brothers, and generally having a good time with his family.
Bobby was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Phyllis; one brother, Gary Thomas Reed; one sister, Leona Hightower.
After the death of his wife, Phyllis, Bobby moved from the family home in Humboldt to live with his daughter Loretta and husband Ethan. This allowed him to be closer to his doctors at the VA Medical Center and for general company.
Bobby is survived by his son, Stephen “Steve” Reed and partner Aubrey Naff-McKinney of Humboldt; daughter, Loretta Kappler and husband Ethan of Topeka; grandchildren, Gannen Reed, Jensena Mangus, Destany Bettes and husband, Adam, Samantha Kappler and partner Logan Froelich, Melani Klauman and husband, Rob, Frankie “Nik” Gillespie, Shadow McKinney; great-grandchildren, Kinsley Bettes, Weston Froelich, Alice Klauman, and yet to be born baby girl; two brothers, Leon Reed of Savonburg and Dale Eugene Reed of Chanute; one sister, Delores Shrum of Chanute, one brother-in-law, George Hightower Sr. of Walnut, Kansas; numerous nieces and nephews and a great-great-great niece.
A funeral service for Bobby will be held 11:00 Monday, Novmeber 18, 2019, at St. Peters Lutheran Church in Humboldt. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery, Humboldt. Family will greet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 at St. Peters Lutheran Church, Sunday November 17, 2019. Memorials are suggested to the Allen County Animail Rescue F (ACARF) and can be left with the funeral home.