Kenneth Merle Reed

Mr. Reed was born in Wichita, Kansas on August 1, 1929. As in the lyrics of a song by John Denver, “Growin’ up a Kansas farm boy, life was mostly having fun…” He loved to have fun, go on adventures and hear a good joke.

He was a good student and played football and ran track in high school. He was the Kansas state low hurtles champion. He became a Christian at an early age and decided to devote his life to Christian ministry. He attended Freed-Hardeman College and completed a degree in Biblical Studies at Abilene Christian University. Later, he returned and received a masters degree.

After completing his undergraduate degree, he accepted a position as minister at a church in Northport, Alabama, just across the river from Tuscaloosa and the University of Alabama. It wasn’t long before he fell in love with Betty White, a young woman who was a member of that church. They married and had three children. Betty was his loving companion for 67 years.

It wasn’t long until he fell in love a second time. This would be his mission for most of his life. He wanted to minister to college students and reach them with the message of Christ. He began a church near the University of Alabama campus, one of the first campus ministries in the nation. He also served on the faculty and taught bible classes on campus for 13 years. He was instrumental in the beginning of 16 campus ministries in the Southeast. He served there for more than 25 years. He later served as minister at the University of South Carolina, University of Colorado and then Texas A&M Church of Christ. After fifteen years of semi-retirement in the Denver, Colorado area, he and Betty returned to their home at College Station 10 years ago.

It might be said that Kenneth had three loves in his life: First, wife and family. Second, his love for ministry, his mission. Third, his love for motorcycles and adventure. He owned his first Harley in 1947, and at age 75, he rode the “Four Corners” in 19 days. In recent years, he missed riding.

He is survived by his wife, Betty White Reed, two daughters, Donna Reed Caldwell (Tom) and Ginger Reed (David Rush), one son, Ken Reed (Patty), six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He will be laid to rest in Huntsville, Alabama. Perhaps there will be a “Celebration of Life” gathering in the Fall, but that is uncertain at this time. The family requests that any memorial contributions be sent to Hospice or charity of your choice.