Ralph Martin Reed

Ralph Martin Reed, 95, of Nevada, passed away on Friday, Nov. 17, at Nevada Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. He was born on Sept. 27, 1922, in Bates County to Winfield Hancock and Zora Pearl (Welch) Reed. He married Wilma Jean Bond on June 27, 1946, in Kansas City, Kan., and she preceded him in death on July 13, 1992.

Ralph was raised in Bates County and attended school in Rich Hill. Following his school years, Ralph worked in the Work Relief Program of the Civilian Conservation Corps for a number of years throughout several northern states. He then served in the U.S. Navy from 1942-1945 during World War II in the South Pacific. While in the Navy, Ralph was a radar operator assigned to the USS Manlove as part of a destroyer escort group. Following his time in the service, Ralph returned to the area and farmed near Rich Hill in Vernon County. Ralph farmed all his life until retirement and has lived in Nevada for the past three years. Ralph was a member of the United Methodist Church in Nevada and was the oldest member of the Nevada Elks No. 564. He enjoyed playing cards.

Ralph is survived by his three sons, Ron Reed, Nevada, Dennis Reed and his wife Jan, Rich Hill and Rusty Reed and his wife Rita, Nevada; his long-time companion, Louise Brown, Nevada; seven grandchildren, Marty Reed, Renee Reed Gray, Justin Reed, Cody Reed, Dillon Reed, Derek Reed and Dane Reed; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma; three sisters, Ethel Miller, Edith Hurd and Inez Laning; three brothers, Albert Reed, Aubrey Reed and Cecil Reed; and an infant granddaughter Kelly Jean Reed.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Ferry Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 21, at the funeral home.

Those who wish may contribute in Ralph’s memory to the Vernon County Youth Fair or United Methodist Church in care of Ferry Funeral Home.