Lester Lee Reed

Lester Lee Reed, 87-year-old longtime resident of The Coves at Bird Island, passed away Friday, May 9, 2025, at home after battling cancer. Lester was born on August 3, 1937, in Etowah, Oklahoma to Lester Herbert Reed and Gladys Opal (Woodring). He met and married Virginia Pool on November 9, 1956, in Brentwood, California.

Les taught for four years at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California and he also taught Metallurgy during the summers at Purdue University.

Les worked as a Project Manager building refineries across the globe. His work carried him and Virginia to Canada, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Holland. He continued working in India, and Kazakhstan, as well as across the United States.

While in Kuwait, Les and Virginia hosted a gathering of Christians in their home weekly so they had a place to worship together.

Les was a member of the Ketchum Church of Christ and faithfully attended services.

In his spare time, he loved to garden and was very proud of his garden spot where his green thumb flourished and many a home in the area had freshly grown fruits and vegetables because of that love. He was quick to share anything he had and loved that he always had enough to bless those around him.

Les is survived by his wife, Virginia, of the home; children, Michael Reed (Linda) of McKinney, Texas, Leslie Smith (Shane) of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and John Reed (Cassie) of Palmyra, Tennessee; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

The family will hold a service later. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemoriesvinita.com or on the funeral home Facebook page. Arrangements are in the care of Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita. “Family owned. Locally operated.”