I.R. Reid

Ivel Rufus Reid a.k.a. I.R. "Tom" Reid, was born September 26, 1913 in Clyde, Kansas the son of Marion Lafette and Maria Ella (Menard) Reid. He departed this life at 8:20 p.m. on Friday, August 7, 2009 at the Indian Creek Health Care Center, Overland Park, Kansas at the age of 95 years, 10 months, and 11 days.

On May 2, 1947, Tom was united in marriage to Ethel Elinor Franklin in Kansas City, Missouri. Later on October 13, 1998, he was united in marriage to Nellie Frances Cowan.

Tom was employed as a furniture salesman for many of Kansas City most elite stores beginning with Duff and Repp and ending his career at Pilgrim House, with a stint at Macy's and Sears in between. He served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. Tom was a member of the St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri. He will be remembered by those he touched for his love of Irish music, playing bones, good food and wine, funny jokes, fishing and beer... but most of all how much he loved them.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Ethel Reid on May 3, 1995 and a brother Ivan Reid.

Tom is survived by his wife, Frances Cowan Reid, Mission, Kansas; four daughters, Phyllis J. Hook and husband Bob, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Sue Ellen Wright, Overland Park, Kansas, Lynette L. Gregg and husband Dennis, Pleasant Hill, Missouri, Denise Reid-Shoaff and husband Stephen, Kansas City, Missouri; two step children, Jan Munro and husband Stuart, Lake Quivira, Kansas and John Cowan, Leawood, Kansas; 12 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, August 12, 2009, at the St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Missouri. Reverend Russell Johnson, minister of the church officiated. Music was performed by Dave Agee, Lynette Gregg, Denise Reid-Shoaff, Craig Murdock, and Chris Wheeler.

Interment was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with military honors by the VFW Post #3118 honor guard. Casket bearers were Coleman Gregg, Dennis Gregg, Michael Hook, Stephen Shoaff, James Wright, and Justin Wright.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Peter's Episcopal Church memorial fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.