Garth Albert "Red" Reed Part Pirate

Garth Albert Reed, 68, of Chestnut, IL, passed away Thursday, February 19, 2026, in Aurora, MO. He was born April 17, 1957, in Terre Haute, IN, to Harry and Vivian.

He is survived by his devoted last love, Luann "Kitty" McCann Zessin; his son, James; and a half-brother, Reverend David Reed, of Indiana.

Garth has always lived the way he wanted to. From the very young age of 4, he showed a unique aptitude for identifying mechanical parts and putting engines together. His older brother Garland had dismantled 2 old washing machine motors. Garth hadn't seen him do it, but he put the two engines back together and they worked. He also had a talent with animals starting with a baby bull when he was given charge over it. He had a bucket and a stick to hit the bucket with. When he did so the little bull would come running to be fed. When the bull was large enough to carry him, Garth would ride him out to the food lot to feed and water him. When his dad sold the full-grown bull, the buyer wondered how to get the bull into the trailer. His dad and grandfather were there and said, "Watch this" as 4-year-old Garth used his bucket and stick to get the bull in the trailer!!! The buyer was totally amazed. His dad and grandpa were so proud! He always did what his mom told him to do and of all the grandkids, Garth was the one who helped his grandpa in the garden. He was also the one that was sent to the little one room store in the middle of nowhere where his other grandpa sold some of his cows and bought his cigars.

One of his first loves was a 1942 Indian Chief motorcycle that he restored with the help of a generous man. He mowed many lawns to get the parts he needed for every Saturday morning and the 12 pack of beer his mentor required as payment for his instruction. He was married once, to Lacy May Johnson and considered himself married even after she divorced him.

Garth's older brother Garland was a typical older brother who had hoped to be an only child. Garth's friend Gordon had also hoped to be an only child, but had a sister, Luann. Gordon didn't know that Garth and Luann knew each other and got quite the surprise when he received a visit from the two of them together.

When he turned 50, he felt quite accomplished to still be alive. Not to mention that he was not in prison, had no felony crimes and was not a drug addict. Garth was loyal to a fault, but as the saying goes, "Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me." He never let someone fool him a second time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services.