Obituary
Mark Edward Reed, age 73, Lee’s Summit, MO, passed away December 20th, 2023. Mark was born February 15, 1950 in Lawrence, KS to Cecil and Joan Reed. After graduating from Shawnee Mission West High School, he went on to study at the University of Kansas, then served in the US Army through 1971. He bravely served in the 101st Airborne Division, fighting for our country on the front lines in Vietnam.
Upon his return, he married Linda Reed, his loving and devoted wife for 25 years as they raised their 3 sons, Chad, Ryan and Jason Reed. As Linda eventually succumbed to breast cancer in 1998, he later married Debbie Reed, also loved and devoted to him for over 24 years.
Before retirement, Mark served as a fleet manager for over 30 years, ending his career at American Central Transport.
Mark knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior, and faithfully attended First Baptist Church of Lee’s Summit. Without reservation, Mark’s first and foremost love was for his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mark demonstrated a lifelong example of love, service and unwavering commitment towards his family. His consistent example of support, devotion and love will continue to impact the lives of generations to come. Although Mark fought illness for several years, he never complained, never lost his sense of humor, and continued to reflect his first priority was to love and support his family and those closest to him.
His family will remember how he enjoyed sports, especially KU basketball and football games, Chiefs games and other sporting events, as well as playing golf with family and friends. And Mark loved to attend the events of all his grandchildren.
Mark is preceded in death by parents Cecil and Joan Reed, and wife Linda Reed. He is survived by his wife Debbie Reed, three sons Chad (LeeAnn), Ryan (Angie) and Jason Reed. Also survived by grandchildren Stephen, Amber, Holly, Kyle (Emily), Caleb, Dylan, Griffin, Sara Reed, as well as his great grandchildren Samuel, Luke, Josiah and Caroline Reed.
Mark is also survived by sister Janet Reed, nephews Dan and Christopher Blim, niece Melissa Tuck (Garrett) and great niece and nephews.
With his marriage to Debbie, he is also survived by Jason Beal, Jennifer Helm (Roy), and grandchildren Lauren and Logan Helm.
10AM visitation and 11AM memorial services to be held Thursday, December 28th at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd St, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063. Burial services to follow at Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, 13901 S Black Bob Rd, Olathe, KS 66062.
Memorial contributions can be made to Wounded Warrior Project, American Cancer Society, or the Humane Society.
Arrangements by Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd Street, Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Condolences
Visitation
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
Services
Lee’s Summit, MO 64063
With heartfelt sympathy. I am so sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart goes out to Debbie and the the kids. Fortuitously, my brothers and I visited with Mark in October and yes his sense of humor was still present. I always told him of how lucky I was to avoid Vietnam strictly because of me being younger and I thanked him for his sacrifice for our country. RIP
My condolences on your loved one’s passing. May your memory bring you comfort.
In October, I got a chance to visit Mark at his home. Although it had been decades since I had seen Mark, his warmth in welcoming me into his home was genuine. He still had the incredible sense of humor that was his hallmark. The world was a better place while Mark Reed was alive.
Hi Family, Mark and I have been friends since grade school. We all had names his name was Marky Maple. Always fun to be with. I am so sorry and sad to see Mark has moved on. So wonderful to know that Mark loved our Lord and is with Him today. Love, Bud and Joyce Richardson
I served with Mark in Vietnam. He showed me the ropes to be a squad RTO upon my arrival. My deepest sympathy to all of his family.
Please accept our condolences. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
I am so sorry to learn of Mark’s passing. I met Mark in 1971 when he was a Radio Operator for 3rd Platoon, Delta Company, 2/506th of the 101st Airborne. Mark spent most of his tour humping the radio in the A Shau Valley, under difficult conditions. After 51 years, I met up again with Mark and Debbie for dinner with our Platoon Leader, LT Ken Lash, in the summer of 2022. My condolences to Marks’s family.
I had the privilege of serving as Mark’s platoon leader in Vietnam in 1971. We stayed in touch when we got back and I considered him a friend.. Rest in pease my friend.
Heartfelt sympathies to the family. Mark and I worked in trucking for several years.We shared a million laughs and so many stories. Both of us proud Vietnam veterans. I will always cherish our friendship. Love ya buddy.
We loved your dad’s great sense of humor and steadfast love for his children and grandchildren. We are grateful for his service to our country. Our deepest condolences for each of you.