July 24, 1945 ~ January 21, 2025
Joseph M. “Joe” Reed, Jr., 79-year-old lifetime Vinita resident, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, in a car accident near Galena, Kansas. He was born on July 24, 1945, in Vinita to Joseph Monroe Reed, Sr. and Shirley Geraldine (Bruce) Reed. Joe was a 1964 graduate of Vinita High School. Joe worked as a truck driver most of his life, he was currently a driver for Blue Bell Ice Cream. Joe was a very enthusiastic aviator, pilot of ultra lights, also truly knowledgeable of aviation. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, auto mechanics, and carpentry. He was a member of Father’s House Church in Miami.
He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara (Dawson) Reed in 2019, his parents, brothers, Tom Reed in 2003, and Beau Reed in 2021, and a sister.
The family includes his companion, Cynthia Conrad of Miami, daughter, Jo Ann Reed of San Francisco, sister in law, Mary Sue Reed of Vinita, nephews, Tom Reed, Brian Reed (Nao), John Reed, Barry Reed, and niece, Stephanie McKenzie, numerous other relatives, his cat “Princess”, his very good friends and flying buddies, Duncan Gravis, Floyd Luck, Ace Neill, and Jared McClure.
The graveside service will be held at the Fairview Cemetery in Vinita, on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Charles Clevenger officiating. Online condolences may be made at www.highsmithfh.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of the Burckhalter-Highsmith Funeral and Cremation Services of Vinita. “Vinita’s only locally owned and operated funeral home.”