Kenneth Arnold Reed

Kenneth Arnold Reed was born April 24, 1928, in Akron, Ohio, to Arnold Leo and Lydia Ruth Elizetta Minder Reed and went to be with the Lord July 28, 2022.

The Reed family moved to Melrose, Florida, when Kenneth was nine years old. They resided at Lake Swan Camp, created by Kenneth’s Uncle, John Minder. Kenneth graduated as the Class President of the Class of 1946 from Melrose High School. He served in the U.S. Army in Japan. He met and married his beloved Maye Ward with whom he shared more than 50 years prior to her death in 2004. The two of them owned and operated the Lazy Susan restaurant in Keystone Heights prior to moving to Speculator, New York. Kenneth was a Purchasing Agent for Camp of the Woods in Speculator, New York, for over 30 years, retiring at the age of 72. After the death of his wife, he moved to Shell Point Retirement Community, where he lived the remainder of his life.

Kenneth was known for his devout Christian spirit and service. Having been raised at a Christian Camp, he spent his employment life at another Christian Camp. He was a quiet person who truly never said a disparaging word about anyone and did his best to teach young people how to work with integrity and live a Christian life. He loved serving in his church in both New York and Florida. Kenneth loved the water, swimming, boating, walking the beach, swimming in the pool and was an avid NASCAR and Gator fan. “Watch out for the Adirondack Gators” bumper sticker was created for him. He and Maye collected shells off Florida beaches, loved eating at The Lighthouse on Sanibel Island and soaking up the sunshine. He was also known for his sense of humor, singing silly songs, making funny faces and his dry wit saying such things as “oh Cracker Barrel” or “crunch bunch.”

In addition to being predeceased by his wife, Maye, and his parents, his brother Gilbert Reed predeceased him.

He is survived by his two sisters, Charleyene Reed Brantley of Palatka, Florida, and Barbara Reed Kinzer of Minneola, Florida. He is also survived by Mayes’ sisters and their husbands, Miriam Ward Armstrong and Dick and Barbara Ward Larson and Darryl of Shell Point, Florida with whom he maintained close relationships throughout his life. Although Ken and Maye did not have any children of their own, they were the favorites of most of their nieces and nephews with whom they had special close relationships.

There will be a Celebration of Life Service, Sunday, November 20, 2022, at approximately 12:45 p.m. (following third Sunday lunch) at Lake Swan Camp in the Fireside Room of Minder Hall. If you have a story to tell about Kenneth, please prepare to share it November 20. If you cannot attend, please send your story or comments to Justdebms@aol.com to be read at the service. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Gospel Volunteers at Camp of the Woods, P.O. Box 250, Speculator, NY 12164.