John K. Reed's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - John K. Reed, age 89, died peacefully on August 24, 2013, surrounded by his family. The Funeral Service in honor and celebration of his life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church and will be preceded by a two hour visitation. There will be no public graveside service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. John was born in Ashmore, IL on August 28, 1923, the son of the late John H. and Leona (Childress) Reed. He grew up with two sisters, Mary K. (Al) Brandt, who preceded him in death, and Margaret J. (Theron) Winkleblack, who survives. In 1945, John married Betty J. Brotherton and together they raised three children; Sharon Lee (Paul) Staley of Paris, IL, John Richard ""Rick"" (Becky) Reed of Charleston, and Cathie Jeanne (Jeff) Reynolds of Ashmore. All survive. In 1990, John married Helen (Zerger) Krehbiel and became stepfather to her three sons; Timothy (Tami) Krehbiel of Stillwater, OK, Rodney (Theresa) Krehbiel of Hood River, OR, and Jeffrey (Pam) Krehbiel of Richmond Heights, OH. All survive. Also surviving are 10 loving grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, cousins, devoted friends and Rick's ""brothers by choice"" who called John ""Dad"". John was also known as John Keith, JK, and even Jake to friends and family who loved him through the years. He was a long time farmer in the Ashmore area who surprised many with his artistic talent. John's passion was creating metal art pieces and he spent many of his later years welding freestanding sculptures and intricate wall hangings. He was always somewhat embarrassed by the enthusiasm shown for his artwork and preferred to make gifts of his creations instead of selling them. Michael Jordan, of the Chicago Bulls, was the recipient of one of John's works. John was a proud veteran of World War II. He was attending Teacher's College (now EIU) in 1943 when he volunteered for the Army Air Force. He was trained as an Armor Gunner on a B-24 bomber and was deployed to the South Pacific where he was stationed on the island of Tinian. John felt a righteous obligation to serve his country and followed in the footsteps of his father, who served as a pilot in World War I. After the war, he returned to Ashmore where he farmed for more than 50 years. John always gave back to his community. He served on the Coles County Draft Board; more than 20 years on the Community Unit #1 School Board; earned his 50 year Masonic pin from Ashmore Masonic Lodge #390; held a position on two local bank boards for many years; was a long time member of the Ashmore United Presbyterian Church; and, later the Charleston First Presbyterian Church. Anyone who knew John realized he had a special sense of humor. He enjoyed life and laughter was always a part of that life. He was generous to a fault and his children were his treasure. The family would like to express deep appreciation to all those who provided care towards the end of John's life. For those wishing to donate a remembrance, the family suggests any charitable cause of the donor's choice.
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