Obituary

Bruce Raymond Reed, 76, was born on May 6, 1949 in Bremmerton, Washington to Mable (Penny) Louise Lofton and Harry (Jack) Raymond Reed Jr. He entered his eternal resting place peacefully on November 30, 2025 in Kansas City, MO; surrounded by his family.

He married Diane Mae Fiedler on November 29, 1974. They were divorced in September 1984. This union resulted in 3 children – Kimberly, Amanda, and Christopher (Matt). Bruce’s second son, Chance, was from his second brief marriage.

Bruce chose to leave college in order to join the Navy. He joined the service in Vegas, NV. He was stationed on the USS Hornet and the USS Midway. He served in the Navy for four years and at the time of his discharge he was a Petty Officer Second Class (E-5). Bruce received his HVAC training in the Navy, where he maintained the AC on the carriers. He then went on to work in HVAC the rest of his professional life, after he was discharged. He always felt like it was a privilege to be able to serve.

He spent most of his adult life in Phoenix Arizona, only moving to Missouri in 2021. He loved it in Missouri, he said it reminded him of his time in Arkansas in his younger years. He just loved the green and spending time on the boat fishing. He’d rise early in the morning and go outside to drink his coffee and read the news or browse social media. He loved his family fiercely. Music was an outlet for him and he was able to record his own studio record in the early ’80’s. He spent a good portion of his life playing in nursing homes and feeding the homeless on Sunday mornings. He loved becoming a grandfather and spending his golden years caring for them, paling around town and getting into mischief. He spent most of these years living with his daughter Amanda part time so he could be a part of their everyday life. Once he made the move to Missouri, he would split time 50/50 and spend time with Mandy and Chris, and Matt and Robin equally.

While in Arizona he was an active member of Pat Tillman American Legion Post #117, with his son and daughter, Chris and Robin. Bruce felt it was important to support the veterans coming home because the veterans of the Vietnam War did not receive supportive home comings from the public. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his son, and the other members of the Pat Tillman post who were riders.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Linda Reed, his brother Danny Reed (Laura Reed) and his son, Chance Wayne Reed. He is survived by his daughters Kimberly Gwizdak (Jay Gwizdak), Amanda Wey (Christopher Wey), and his son Christopher Reed (Robin Durley) . Sisters Sherry Hollenbeck (Joe Hollenbeck) and Tami Duvall (Alan Duvall), and brother Jerry Reed. Grandchildren Logan Wey (Grace Wey), Taylor Baldwin, Sydney Baldwin, Harrison Baldwin and 3 great grandchildren Luka, Madison, and Sophie Wey. He is also survived by his ex-wife Diane Nelson.

Bruce made friends wherever he went and will be missed greatly by everyone. Though he is gone, his family has lots of amazing memories to remember him by. Some of these favorite memories include taking his grandkids on motorcycle rides, telling stories of when he was younger, and the best one of all, the time and care he gave his family. No matter the time of day his family knew that he was always a phone call or text away. He loved talking with his family. The best conversations were the ones that went on for hours but felt as if no time had passed.

Visitation will be held on December 12, 2025 at the Langsford Funeral home at 1pm followed by Military Honors at 2pm. 115 SW 3rd St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude’s where Bruce faithfully donated.

Internment of his ashes will be held at the Phoenix Veterans Cemetery, 2929 E Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85024 at 10am followed by Military Honors.