Robert Reed Obituary

Robert Eugene Reed, 97, of Lawrence, KS, transitioned on to his new home in Glory on March 17th, 2021.

Born March 9, 1924 in Des Moines, Iowa to William and Violet Finley Reed. He was proceeded in death by his parents, brother Sidney A. Reed, sister, Lula Jane Reed Clay, the love of his young life and the mother of his children, Opal L. Reed, 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, graduated from Topeka High School, member of the Topeka High Ramblers, the black basketball team of Topeka High during segregation. He attended Washburn University where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, then 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 sales man and ultimately, he opened Reed Water Systems in the 60s where he sold and installed water conditioners and purifiers.

A health enthusiast he 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 exercise 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 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 and 6 great great grands, as well of one niece and two nephews.

Memorial to be planned for May.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that a charitable donation be made to Ladybird Diner's Community Meal Initiative, in Robert Reed's name. Free meals for homeless and children in need -

• Ladybird Diner's Community Meal Initiative

o https://ladybirddiner.com