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Jeanne Kennedy Reed, Poteau, OK passed from this life in her home on August 24, 2009 at the age of 93. One of seven children, she was to John I. & Margaret (Cravens) Kennedy on December 30, 1915 in Keefton, OK .
She was married to Roy V Reed and he preceded her in death. Together they built a highly successful independent oil and gas company and established the Dog Creek Ranch, one of the largest cattle and real estate holdings in southeast Oklahoma and were original stockholders in the Poteau State Bank.
Funeral services for Jeanne were held at 2 pm, Saturday, August 29, 2009 in the Jim Hamilton Auditorium at Carl Albert State College in Poteau, OK. Pallbearers for service were Dave Abrams, Ralph Sartor, Jerry Thompson, Jerry Dunning, Gearl Fout and Jake Thompson.
Jeanne Reed: Poteau philanthropist passes
The contributions that Jeanne Reed made to the community and that she will continue to make, even after passing, are unmeasurable," stated Poteau Mayor Jeff Shockley "She was a very classy and dignified woman and she will be greatly missed."
The Poteau community was shocked Tuesday to learn that their dear friend, Jeanne Reed, had passed away Monday, leaving behind a lifetime of fond memories for everyone who knew her.
She was the legendary face that greeted everyone with a smile, the guest everyone was waiting to see. At every Carl Albert State College event, she was respected both as a benefactor and friend. Her powerful sense of civic duty drove her to give time and money to dozens of local and state organizations.
Her love and generosity made her famous in every corner of her hometown. She and her late husband, Roy, came to Le Flore County in 1957 when they purchased 240 acres of land west of Cavanal Hill. She was known to work side by side with her husband.
They started with nothing and through hard work and Roy's keen business sense, they built a successful independent oil and gas company, established the Dog Creek Ranch, one of the largest cattle and real estate holdings in southeast Oklahoma, and they were original stockholders in the Poteau State Bank (now The Community State Bank).
She was a member of the Poteau United Methodist Church and enjoyed missionary trips abroad, helping others and participating with Project Compassion. She was also named the Poteau Business and Professional Women's "Woman of the Year."
Karen Wages, Poteau Chamber of Commerce CEO, stated, "Jeanne Reed was the first woman recipient of the Chamber's Lifetime Contribution award. She and her family have been great supporters of the Chamber and I appreciate her for that."
Reed was a recipient of the Oklahoma City University Bishop Paul Millhouse Award. She served as a trustee of the Carl Albert State College Development Foundation and was a member of the CASC Hall of Fame. She enjoyed serving as Grand Marshall for the Poteau Frontier Days Rodeo Parade.
Reed was a member of the First United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women, Project Compassion, P.E.O, Garden Club, Hospital Auxiliary, Twentieth Century Study Club, served as hostess for the Senior Tea, Business and Professional Women's Club, Grand Marshall of the Christmas Parade, Oklahoma City University Board of Trustees' member, Secretary for the Carl Albert Development Foundation Board of Directors and served on the Board of Directors for Le Flore County Youth Services.
Reed enjoyed was a member of a missionary team that worked in Alaska and she also visited area nursing homes regularly for many years, showing her dedication to community service and Christian activities.
Carol Huggins, member of the CASC Board of Regents stated, "Jeanne has been a wonderful supporter of CASC for many years. We appreciate what she has done and I extend my condolences to the family of this great lady, I'm going to miss her."
Reed established and donated to many scholarships at CASC. The Roy and Jeanne Reed Business scholarship was established by Jeanne Reed in memory of her husband, Roy Reed, whereby an annual cash scholarship is awarded to a CASC Business Administration student.
Established by Mrs. Reed, the fund has many additional contributors.
Reed also established a $600 scholarship for a nursing student along with the Harry R. and May McTier Millford scholarship which is an endowed scholarship established in memory of Harry and May McTier Millford who were neighbors of Reed during her childhood. The scholarship is awarded annually to a student who is majoring in music.
Betty Ford, liaison to Congressman Dan Boren said, "She was a very civic oriented person and she did a lot for Poteau and LeFlore County. She will be greatly missed."
Former Representative Jim Hamilton, also a member of the CASC Board of Regents, stated, "Jeanne's absence will be felt at all CASC activities and events. She was a person with a heart for civic and public interests. She was well known for her philanthropy and charity. She was a great example to all of us in her life and lifestyle."
Reed received the college's Statue of Liberty Award, which is given each year to CASC's largest benefactor. Along with all the honors she received she served for decades as a trustee on the CASC Development Foundation, helping to provide scholarships to hundreds of local students and to fund the expansion of the college. Her name adorns the college's fine dining room, where dignitaries and officials dine before important events.
"There is not a single building or classroom at CASC that does not somehow bear the stamp of Jeanne Reed's wonderful personality. Her work and giving here will live on for every student to see," said CASC President Dr.
Brandon R. Webb. "Our hearts go out to Jeanne's great extended family, and we certainly feel the loss of Jeanne at the college." In 2001 she established an endowed professorship at the college to give instructors funds for more training, equipment, and other needs.
The community has expressed their thoughts and they agree that the loss of Jeanne Reed is a great loss to all.
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