Dirk Alan Reed

Dirk Alan Reed, 57, passed away Wednesday, March 6, 2013, at the Comanche County Hospital in Coldwater, KS. Dirk was the son of Floyd and Evelyn (Lenertz) Reed and was born on August 14, 1955, at Achenbach Memorial Hospital in Hardtner, KS. He arrived on their first wedding anniversary.
Dirk started school at Aetna, KS, then he attended school at Hardtner, KS through 8th grade. He graduated from Coldwater High School, class of 1973, then moved to Liberal, KS, taking Auto Machine Shop at Liberal Vo-Ag.
His work career included Foley Caterpillar in Dodge City, KS; Northern Natural Machine Shop in Mullinville, KS; Cross Manufacturing in Lewis, KS; farming; and finally Comanche County Road and Bridge Department.
Dirk enjoyed being out in nature, wade-a-while- park, Coldwater Lake, and road trips. He was an engineer of parts, from models to computers.
Dirk became ill and was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer. He absolutely had a plan. It did not include sharing this final challenge with family or friends, but Dirk did graciously accept help at the very end.
Dirk appreciated his many friends, who were as family, and enjoyed time spent with their children. Dirk was generous and kind, sharing his boat and jet ski, paying tabs for others at times, and helping his mom out. His final gift was the donation of his corneas from those beautiful brown eyes. Dirk will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father: Floyd Reed; and grandparents on each side.
He is survived by his mother: Evelyn Reed of Coldwater, KS; two sisters: Doreen Hadley and husband Bruce of Newton, KS and Karen Wall and husband Jeff of Grant, NE; five nephews: Jody, Bob, and Jack Hadley and Jacob and Joshua Wall; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday (Family Will Be Present) at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS. Funeral service is at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 9, 2013, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS, with Rev. Gary Merritt presiding. Burial will follow the service at Crown Hill Cemetery, Coldwater, Ks.

Memorials may be sent to Comanche County Hospital or Comanche County Sheriff/E.M.S. Department in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.