May 19, 1928- January 25th, 2014
Gene was born and raised in Jameson, MO until he moved to Kansas City.
After High School graduation Gene entered William Jewell College where he played basketball
and was a member of Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. After college he was employed by
Farmers Insurance Company. After 45 years he retired as Commercial Manager of
The Administration Department. During his tenure at Farmers, he left their employ to serve in
the United States Army during the Korean War. He was also a member of the 5th Army
Championship baseball team.
Gene devoted the rest of his life as a loyal and faithful husband, loving father, grandfather and
Avid sports fan.
Gene also spent many happy years playing golf at Milburn Golf and Country Club where he
was known as “Gene the Machine” for his accurate short game and putting precision. While
a member at Milburn, he served two terms on the board of directors as well as one term as
Vice President.
As a young man he gained a reputation for his fine tenor voice. He performed a number of
weddings, none more special than his own; singing “My Wonderful One” as his bride walked
down the aisle. He was featured on local radio and musical theatre and was a professional
soloist at the First Presbyterian Church for many many years..
He leaves behind his loving wife of 61 years Mary Ann, his daughter Rhonda, his
Granddaughter Molly, her husband Travis, and Gene’s faithful dog Libby to Love and cherish
his memory. Family and friends will gather on Thursday January 30th from 2 to 4pm at O’Neils
Restaurant at 95th and Mission to honor and respect the memories they all shared with Gene.
Assistance by Funeral Advocates, LLC.
I am grateful for the life of Mr. Reed. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.
Gene and my late husband, Lloyd DeWayne Spatz, had parallel careers at Farmers Insurance. DeWayne enjoyed working and occasionally competing with Gene as they were both Regional Commercial Mangers. Retirement breakfasts gave them an opportunity to keep in touch.
God bless another man who dedicated his entire career to his country and an honest day’s work at Farmers Insurance.