Frank Reed

Franklin Perry Reed, 88, of Ashland Kansas passed away on Thursday June 26th, 2025. Pastor Nick Johnson of First Church of God of Ashland Kansas will be officiating the memorial service. Visitation will be held Tuesday July 1 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Wilkinson Funeral Home Ashland and graveside service will be held Wednesday July 2nd at 10:00am at Highland Cemetery Ashland.

Known to us as Frank, born to parents George Richard Sr. and Mary May Reed on October 16th 1936, in Ashland Kansas. Frank was one of 5 siblings; all raised in the Ashland area. His proudest accomplishment in life was his family. Frank was a devoted husband to his wife Peggy. They were married for 49 wonderful years. Frank and Peggy raised 4 children, Peggy, Steve, Mary, and Tammy. Frank graduated from Ashland High School in 1954. Frank lived a life of service that started when he followed in his family’s footsteps and enlisted in the military shortly after graduating high school. Frank joined the US Air Force in 1955 and became a mechanic. He was stationed in Okinawa Japan as well as Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana, where Frank worked on the infamous fleet of B-52 Bombers. After leaving the military, he came back home to Ashland and started a welding business. Frank and the team at his shop built the bleachers and the goal posts for the high school football field and these still stand today! Frank honed his skills over the years and as a result, his shop became known for quality, craftsmanship, and expertise, not only in south-west Kansas, but all over Oklahoma and even into Texas. Frank continued his life of service by teaching his craft and skillset, becoming a mentor to many young people over the years. He didn’t just teach them how to weld, he also taught them how to have pride in their work and instilled into them his own work ethics so they too could be successful and respected. Frank loved his community and continued his career of service with his work in the Volunteer Fire Department here in Ashland. Frank supported the Fire Department allowing them to use his shop for free and provided them low cost supplies, selling them at or below cost. Frank served as Mayor  Ashland from 1981 till 1989, he was key to organizing the first Centennial celebration, among many other community projects. Frank took pride in the fact that of those 8 years, he was able to procure a new auger truck and went personally to New Orleans Louisiana to get it and drive it back to Ashland. This truck was instrumental in digging holes for the electric poles all over town! Frank was also a member of the VFW Post #7770 where he was always active in their community involvement and the health and welfare of his fellow military brothers and their families. Frank was actively involved in developing and installing the Veterans Memorial Wall here in Ashland. Frank was a 32nd degree Master Mason and elevated his involvement to become a Shriner. As a Shriner, Frank spent many years working with the Midian Clowns, organizing his brother Shriners to take trips to raise the spirits and entertain the children at numerous Shriner’s Children’s Hospitals as well as various parade events. He was the last surviving Mason in Ashland. Frank was an avid fan of NASCAR. He and Peggy spent many years traversing the country to attend races at various tracks. They shared their love of the sport with the kids, grandkids, and their friends. He was especially fond of the King – Richard Petty. He was instrumental in bringing Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt to hunt on his family land southeast of town. “The King” even gave Frank an autographed hood from one of his cars. Frank’s smile was infectious, and his laughter filled any room he was in. Frank was proceeded in death by his parents, his sister, Louise Burlingham, his brother George Reed Jr, his wife Peggy Reed, his daughter, Roxie Ann Reed, and his grandson Jared Riner.

Those left to cherish their memories with Frank include his sisters Helen Freer (Bob) and Cherry Love. Children Peggy Ashby, Steven Reed (Pam), Mary Reed, and Tammy Reed. Grandchildren Joshua Ashby (Valerie), Levi Ashby-Rosellon (Arronoel), McKenzie Reed Hulett (Jeff), Matt Reed (Melisha), Chad Stowell-Reed (Justina), Nicole Amdahl-Reed (Kellie), Hunter Reed, Zackary Reed, Jordan Vierling (Danielle) and Jaydan Reed. Frank also had 16 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Pall Bearers will be Joshua Ashby, Levi Ashby-Rosellon, McKenzie Reed Hulett, Matt Reed, Nicole Amdahl-Reed, Chad Stowell-Reed, Jordan Vierling, and Jaydan Reed. Honorary Pall Bearers Clifford Minor, Richard Foster, and Vernon Hess.

The family would like to say a special Thanks to the staff of Ashland Senior Living and Hospice of the Prairie – Dodge City, Kansas, for the exemplary care and love of our father in his final days

In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage donations in Frank’s name made to the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department or to the VFW Post # 7770 Ashland, Kansas.

Family & Friend's visitation will be Tuesday July 1 from 5PM - 7PM

Graveside services will be 10:00AM on Wednesday July 2, 2025 at the Highland Cemetery Ashland Kansas, with the Ashland VFW Military rites.

Expressions 620-635-4092 Florist in Ashland, Kansas