John Albert Reed

John Albert Reed of Hamilton, Kansas, died Monday, April 21, 2025, at his home in Hamilton at the age of 80.

He was born January 23, 1945, in El Dorado, Kansas, the son of Vaney Cecil “Red” and Pauline Olive (Crabtree) Reed. He was raised in El Dorado, Kansas, California, and Hamilton, before the family settled in Virgil for his Junior and Senior years. He graduated with the Virgil High School Class of 1964. Following graduation, John was a milkman in Emporia and worked for Long Drilling before being drafted to serve a 2-year stint in the Army, where he served as a helicopter crew chief with dignity and honor.

On May 22, 1965, John was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Patricia Ann McKenzie on the McKenzie farm in rural Virgil. Their marriage was blessed with five children. He worked in the oilfield to support his family before beginning a 35-year career with the Missouri-Pacific Railroad as a truck driver and machine operator.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia, of the home; daughter, Natalie Reed of Shawnee, Kansas; a sister, Ruth Onions of Kansas City, Kansas; and one brother, Marion Reed of Council Bluffs, Iowa; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; four children: Mark Reed, Matthew Reed, Chrysta Lee, and Katherine Bessie Reed; and two brothers: Paul Reed and Melvin Reed, and a sister, Camilla Reed.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Friday, April 25, 2025, at Koup Family Funeral Home in Eureka. Visitation will be from 1:00 P.M. until the start of the service. Cremation will take place following the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Fidelity Lodge #108 or to Mirza Temple. Contributions may be sent in care of Koup Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 595, Eureka, KS 67045, which is overseeing arrangements. Condolences may be left for the family online at koupfunerals.com.