Keith Melvin Reed

Keith Melvin Reed, 76, of Monument, died Monday, November 13, 2023, at the Logan County Hospital in Oakley, Kansas.

He was born January 25, 1947, in Colby, Kansas, to Burtis and Zelma (Bever) Reed.

Keith graduated from Monument High School in 1965, volunteered for the United States Army in 1966, and served two years. Keith served in Ben Hoa, Vietnam, with the 173rd Airborne Brigade. Keith was proud of his service to his country.

On February 17, 1968, Keith married Karen Ann Lee, in Oakley. They were blessed with two children, Craig and Lisa.

Keith began his career as a mechanic and worked at Caterpillar. Keith could make anything run, especially the road grader on Halloween night.

Keith spent most of his life doing what he loved: farming and raising cattle. He was farming from the road if he wasn’t farming in the field. Keith loved the challenge of raising a crop despite Mother Nature’s unpredictability. Keith and Karen were honored to receive a conservation award for their efforts to be stewards of the land.

He volunteered to serve on the Summers Township Board and the Thomas County Fair Board.

Keith was preceded in death by his parents, Burt and Zelma, and his brother, Ron Reed.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; son Craig (Doris) Reed of Salina; daughter, Lisa (JR) Delzeit of St. Louis, Mo.; eight grandchildren, Corey, Tanner, Jake and Elliana Reed, Nickolas, Emily, Jack and Ava Delzeit; one great-grandchild, Jackson Reed; brother Robert (Kay) Reed, Stockton; sister Kathy Reed; sister-in-law Virginia Reed; niece, Cyndi Circle; and two nephews, Eric Reed and Steven Reed (along with their families).

A Funeral Service was held Wednesday morning, November 15, 2023, at the United Christian Church, Oakley, with burial in the Oakley City Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, P.O. Box 391, Colby, KS 67701, or Oakley VFW Post 2981.

For information or condolences, visit baalmannmortuary.com.