Vester Lee Reed's Obituary
“Hearts on earth say in the course of a joyful experience, ‘I don’t want this ever to end.’ But it inevitably does. The hearts of those in heaven say, ‘I want this to go on forever.’ And it will. There can be no better news than this.” - J.I.Packer, Author of Knowing God
On September 25, 2023, Vester Lee Reed took his last breath on Earth, entering Paradise but leaving a deep void on this planet.
“Vess,” as his loving wife called him, was the son of Sylvester and Pearl Reed. Born on November 10, 1929, in Chanute, Kansas, Vester was the proud son of an MKT (Katy) Railroad employee and the middle of three children. His sisters, now deceased, were Leona Cowen of Earlton, Kansas and Mable Shook of Chanute, Kansas.
Before graduating from Chanute High School in 1947, Vester developed a passion for woodworking and railroads. By his senior year, he furnished his mother’s home with a handcrafted bedroom suite, and he had joined his dad as a railroad worker. Vester loved trains and railroads, often reminiscing about his railway journeys to visit family in Washington and other parts of the United States. There was something special about his time on the Katy.
Today, one of Vester’s greatest woodworking accomplishments can still be seen: a small green house located at 415 North Central in Chanute. Built by Vester and his dad, the house sat next to his own parent’s home. While it was first inhabited by his Aunt Em, Vester himself would eventually call it “home.”
In 1952, Vester was drafted into the United States Armed Forces. Once, Vester recalled his recruitment: “We stood in a line, and a man walked by and labeled each of us: Army, Marines, Navy, Airforce. I got Army.” After basic training, Vester spent nine months as a machine gun operator on the front lines of the Korean War. While there, he earned a Bronze Star with a V (for Valor). This medal is the fourth highest military decoration for valor, and it is given for acts of heroism or meritorious service. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, as well as the American Legion.
On March 20, 1954, Vester and Mary (Williams) Reed were married by a Justice of the Peace in Columbus, Kansas, and they settled in the small house that Vester built with his dad. There, they raised three children. During this time, Vester also started working as a Power Plant Operator with the City of Chanute, which is where he worked until his retirement in 1992.
Vester accomplished many things while working at the Power Plant, but his utmost accomplishment was his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of them, and he did the best he could to raise them well. He loved them deeply.
Vester’s love was tangible. He was a notorious giver whom you could always depend on. His time, talent, and treasure were freely given. Sometimes, his love was in the form of ripe, home-grown tomatoes in a plastic bag. Other times, his love was in the form of a tightly-folded twenty-dollar bill, slipped into someone’s hand when no one else was around. Whether waxing his children’s vehicles or treating his friends to a meal at El Pueblitos and The Grain Bin, he was always pouring his love into someone.
1st Corinthians 13:4-5 (ESV) says, “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful.” This is the love that Vester lived, and today we feel its absence.
Vester is survived by his wife, Mary, and his three children: Kathy (Dennis) Oliphant of Jet, Oklahoma, Vicky Reed of Chanute, Kansas, and Vester (Cheryl) Reed of Chanute, Kansas. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Shawn Oliphant, Richie Oliphant, Amanda Hawley, Aaron Thomas, Adrianne Dent, Lauren Reed, Heath Reed, and Chase Reed. Furthermore, he is survived by 12 great-grandchildren.
Until we meet again, enjoy Paradise, Vester Lee Reed. We love you more than you’ll ever know.
Graveside services will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery in Chanute. Memorials have been suggested to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at: www.countrysidefh.com. Services entrusted to Countryside Funeral Home 101 N. Highland, Chanute, Kansas 66720.
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