William Sherman Reed, 98, passed away on March 2, 2025, at his home in Quinter, KS. He was born on June 26, 1926, in Carthage, IL, to William Sherman and Mary Jane (Jameson) Reed and was the middle child in a family of 11 siblings.

Bill spent his early years in Illinois, where he graduated from high school. It was in Iowa that he met Leona Louise Brooks, the love of his life, and they eventually married in Quinter, KS, on December 8, 1946.

Bill began his career working on a custom harvest crew with a few friends, which sparked his passion for farming. He eventually acquired a small farm from family members and worked the land for 35 years. To supplement his income, Bill became a professional painter, completing jobs in Gove and the surrounding communities. After retiring, he owned his own truck and contracted to haul interstate millings until the age of 87. In his later years, Bill enjoyed reading, resting, and listening to music.

Bill is survived by his sons, Ross (Bridget) Reed of Topeka, IN, and Lee (Connie) Reed of Quinter, KS; daughters, Kathy Barker of Knoxville, TN, and Nancy (Tom) Stoltzfus of Livermore, CO; his brother, Oty (Juanita) Reed of Dallas Center, IA; his sister, Ruth (Galen) Haldeman of Dallas Center, IA; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leona; his daughter, Gayla Berens; his brothers, Kyle, Lloyd, Ray, Elbert, Millard, and John; and his sisters, Faye Kasza and Edna Wertz.

A memorial service will be held at the Quinter Church of the Brethren on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Gove County Elder Care.  Donations made to the organizations may be sent to Schmitt Funeral Home, 901 South Main, Quinter, KS 67752.

Memories and words of support may be shared with the family by signing the guestbook at www.schmittfuneral.com.