OSAGE CITY, Kan. – John Albert Reed, of Osage City, Kan., died peacefully on the morning of Oct. 7, 2025, in Topeka, Kan., surrounded by family and friends. He was born Aug. 14, 1950, in Emporia, Kan., and was so proud to have just celebrated his 75th birthday this past August. John was the son of Albert “Dick” Earl Reed and Leona “Sis” Mary Reed (Ramonda).
John grew up with his four sisters as the fourth born and only brother. He loved his sisters thoroughly and found great joy in his brothers-in-law. John graduated from Osage City High School, class of 1968. Just two years after graduating, in 1970, John began his career as a member of the Operating Engineers Local 101 as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of the union for a total of 55 years; 40 years before retiring. He could run almost all heavy machinery equipment and spoke often of the projects he worked on to build up Kansas City. He was the owner of Reed’s Stump Removal and Tree Service for many years. John valued hard work and providing for his family as it showed in his strong work ethic. He served his community in various times of his life as president of the Lions Club and being a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie No. 3890 of Osage City.
John was married to Janet (Warren) Smith, Sept. 13, 1974. They later divorced. Out of this union came his oldest daughter, Stephanie, and son, Christopher. John married Lois Carlene (Lewis), Oct. 4, 1986, and they just celebrated 39 years of marriage. Out of this union came John’s youngest daughter, Chelsea.
John was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Carl Lewis; mother-in-law, Ruby Lewis; brother-in-law, Tim Olmsted; brother-in-law, Felice DiGuglielmo; nephew, Travis Olmsted; and infant niece, Kimberly Pinick.
John is survived by his wife, Carlene, of the home; children, Stephanie (Mike) Cruchelow, Osage City, Christopher (Janaya) Reed, Osage City, Chelsea (Mitchell) Anderson, Ottawa, Kan.; nine grandchildren, Kody Moran, Cierra Hamlin, Caden and Connor Reed, Reed Cruchelow, Caswell, Kincaid, Erhardt and Hendrix Anderson; and siblings, Lynda DiGuglielmo, Livingston, N.J., Rosalie Olmsted, Beattie, Jean (Gary) Pinick, Basehor, and Patsy Rush, Topeka.
When John wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching sports. He was a member of the Osage City Country Club for years. He was always looking forward to the next Osage City Indians sporting event, Chiefs or Royals, KU basketball or K-State football game. Some of his proudest moments and highlights of fatherhood was watching his own children and grandchildren play sports. He loved special occasions and holidays because it was a reason for being with all of his family. John had an affinity for calling people by their first and last name when greeting them while also making sure to add their place of residency as if he was announcing someone’s arrival in the royal court. He was good at remembering names; a loyal friend and his smile had the ability to make people feel loved when they saw him. He had quite the sweet tooth and would want his friends and family to enjoy that late night bowl of ice cream. If those closest to him were to choose John’s own words for a final goodbye they would offer a fist bump or high five and say, “Love ya, Buddy. Love you to the sky and back.”
Memorial services for John will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, at Feltner Funeral Chapel, Lyndon. The family will receive friends 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17, at the chapel. Inurnment will be at Mt. Calvary Cemetery at Osage City.
Memorial contribution can be made to the John Reed Memorial Fund, for Osage City schools and Osage City Parks and Recreation), sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451. Condolences can be left at feltnerfuneralhome.com.
