L. Wayne Reed

Tuesday, February 27, 2007

L. Wayne Reed, 80, passed away in Ozark, Mo., on Feb. 25. The son of Noble and Louise Dyer Reed, he was born in Rocky Comfort, Mo., April 11, 1926.

Wayne Reed was a lifelong educator, serving the youth of Purdy, Cassville, Nevada, and Springfield for 36 years, as coach, teacher, and counselor. His early years were spent in Rocky Comfort, where he was a locally renowned basketball player. He played college basketball at Southwest Baptist College in Bolivar, Mo., following which he began his coaching and teaching career, in the course of which he influenced thousands of young people over several generations. He established an immensely successful summer baseball program in Nevada which continues to this day. The city of Nevada has named one of their youth baseball fields in his honor. While in Nevada, Mr. Reed established the Del-Way Drive Inn, where hundreds of young people have worked over the years.

Wayne and his wife Barbara moved to Springfield in 1971 where he taught at Reed and Pipkin junior high schools and served as commissioner for the American Legion Summer Baseball Program. Retiring from teaching in 1982, he began a career at Metropolitan National Bank of Springfield in the areas of real estate and public relations, working there for 14 years. He was a member of many area organizations, including Rotary International, Tip Off Club, and Quarterback Club. He was also an active booster of MSU athletics. Mr. Reed was for 35 years a member of the Wesley United Methodist congregation, where he served as an usher. He held a BS in education from MSU, and an MS in Counseling from Pittsburg State University.

Wayne Reed was a people person in every place and position where he lived and worked. He had a genuine interest in youth, an extraordinary interest in sports, and a phenomenal memory for the activities of his many friends. He loved meeting people, making friends, and helping the communities and organizations with which he was connected. Most of all, he loved his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren will remember him as a central influence in their lives.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Barbara Braithwait Reed; and by his son Barry; his daughter Debi Reed Hill and her husband, David Hill; his stepson John Russell and his wife, Judi; stepdaughter Patty Breckenridge and her husband, Bryan; and stepdaughter Susan Brashears and her husband, Doug; as well as five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and by an infant sister Ruby.

Memorial services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 28, in Wesley United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bill Moore officiating under the care of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the church gathering hall.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to the Wesley United Methodist Church of Springfield or to the charity of the donor's choice.