John A. Reed

March 10, 1932 - April 21, 2026

John was born in Los Angeles, California on March 10, 1932 to Eugene and Margaret (Osterhaus) Reed. John lost his father at the young age of 4. His mother worked very hard after her husband’s death to provide for John and his sister, Jean. Margaret worked sewing vacuum bags together in her brother’s vacuum manufacturing company. She also raised chickens to help supplement their income. John would help his mother with the chickens and tried hard to keep them from the neighborhood cats. As John grew older, he was intent on borrowing his sister, Jean’s “wheels,” exchanging a month’s worth of dishes for the privilege. This was how he met the love of his life, Kathleen A. Boden. They met in 1950 at a Halloween party. The connection was instant and strong. Despite having never kissed anyone before, Kay informed John the night they met, that he was indeed a great kisser. They married in 1951, and welcomed their son, Robert Reed, in 1952, followed four years later by their daughter, Connie Reed.

John was not raised religiously but heard the ring of truth in 1963, when he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. John never forgot his creator, Jehovah. He told everyone he could about God, and the promises held out in the Bible for the near future. Even in his 90’s, he faithfully wrote Bible based letters to everyone he met in hopes that they could find the truth he had.

John had a deep love for all things cowboy. He raised horses, learned how to rope and ride, built stagecoaches and buggies, and always wore a Stetson cowboy hat. He was an avid animal lover, rescuing many different kinds of animals throughout his lifetime. He also greatly enjoyed genealogy, and knew several interesting facts about his family lineage dating back over 150 years. John had many interesting hobbies including antique coin collecting, and an extensive antique gun collection.

John is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Kay Reed; sister, Jean Reed; son, Bob Reed; plus 6 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his daughter, Connie Mae and great-grandson, Christian Liam.

Private Services are being conducted with burial in Hallsville Cemetery, Hallsville. Arrangements have been entrusted to the HILL FUNERAL HOME, Kingston. Condolences can be made on John’s online guestbook at www.hillfhkingston.com.