Robert Engene Reed
What do you remember about Robert? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
Robert Eugene Reed, 97, of Lawrence, Kansas, transitioned on to his new home in Glory on March 17th, 2021.
He was born March 9th, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa to William T. Reed and Violet Ruth Finley Reed. He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Sidney A. Reed and sister Lula Jane Reed Clay, the love of his young life and the mother of his children, Opal L. Reed, his daughter Bobbie Jean Reed Williams and her daughter Angell and son Jesse Jr.
Robert was raised in Topeka, was a lifelong member of Shiloh Baptist Church, baptized at a young age and graduated from Topeka High School, where he was a member of the Topeka High Ramblers, the black basketball team of Topeka High during segregation. After graduating high school, he attended Washburn University where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and graduated from the University of Kansas in 1951 after a stint in the US Army where he served in Africa and France in World War II.
He was a gifted salesman and he sold freezer plans early in his career across Kansas and Missouri. Ultimately, he opened Reed Water Systems in the 60s where he sold and installed water conditioners and purifiers.
He was a health enthusiast and believed only putting in your body what was good for it - balanced low-fat meals, pure water (sometimes mixed with fine whiskey), vitamin supplements and regular exercise. His exercised of choice was tennis which he hailed as the sport of a lifetime, and it was for him as he played until he was 90.
Robert is survived by two daughters, Cynthia L. Eubanks (Willone) of Lawrence, KS and Jeanice Russell (Eric) of Coppell, TX, also 5 grandchildren (Terrence Atkinson (Heidi), Deona Eubanks, Sydney Lartigue Fameni (Wil), Taylor Eubanks and Andre Schoch); 6 great grands, 6 great great grands, one niece and two nephews.
In lieu of flowers the family request that charitable donations be made to Ladybird Diner's Community Meal Initiative, in Robert Reed's name. Free meals for homeless and children in need. A message may be left for the family at www.bowserjohnsonfuneralchapel.com
- Ladybird Diner's Community Meal Initiative
https://ladybirddiner.com