Roy C. “Budz” Reed, 94, Lenexa, KS, died Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at his home surrounded by family. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with Funeral Services at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 22 at the Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery, Leavenworth, KS. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kansas City Kansas Firefighters Relief Association or Kansas City Hospice.
Roy was born June 4, 1928, the son of Roy and Juanita “Kitty” (Cutler) Reed in the Fairmount area of Independence, MO. Roy served his country first as a Merchant Marine before enlisting in the United States Navy during World War II. After being discharged he returned home to Kansas City, KS where he held various jobs. One night while at a local hangout on Central Ave he meet a group of Bethany nursing students looking for a ride due to the rain. One of those students caught his eye, a brunette with big brown eyes named Marilyn Ledell who became the love of his life. They were united in marriage February 20, 1953 and had two children, Steve and Jenne.
He joined the Kansas City Kansas Fire Department in 1953 where he rose through the ranks and retired in 1985 as a District Chief in charge of training. He remained an active member of Local 64, and attended union meetings and conferences for the rest of his life. He went on to become Chief of the Edwardsville Fire Department and served in that capacity from 1985 to 1995. Roy also worked for the Kansas State Fire Marshal as a trainer for volunteer firefighters.
He was a long time member of London Heights Methodist Church & Trinity UMC, K.C.,KS and more recently Saint Mark's UMC in Mission, KS.
In addition to fire department affiliations Roy was a member of American Legion Post 153, Olathe, KS. and Kansas City Seabee Swarm. In 2015 Roy went on a trip of a lifetime aboard a Heartland Honor Flight. This non-profit organization honors and transports American veterans to Washington DC to visit and reflect at their memorials. He was escorted by his good friend and neighbor Val Jones, also a veteran.
Roy never met a stranger. He was a consummate storyteller. No matter where you were Roy could tell you about the landmarks and history of each place. He was our family historian and never forgot a thing. Budz was the original GPS. Throughout their marriage Roy and Marilyn enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Although Roy was passionate about the fire department his family always came first. He was a great husband and father but when grandchildren and great-grandchildren came along his heart grew twice as big. His granddaughters and great grand-children could do no wrong. The family felt very blessed to be with him to celebrate his 94th birthday on June 4th. He was so happy to see everyone and share hugs and kisses. Also, Roy and Marilyn have been so thankful to have wonderful neighbors that take care of each other.
Roy was preceded in death by his parents and 6 siblings, Melvin, Wallace, Patricia, Jim, Bob and Mark. He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Marilyn, 2 children , Steve (Donna) Reed and Jenne (Don) Laytham, 3 granddaughters, Hayley (Nathan) Nitchals, Katie Reed and Gabby Reed, and 3 great-grandchildren, Evan Roy, Amelia and Isaac Nitchals as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.