Ralph Dean Reed, 87, of Danville, passed away at 3:09 p.m. on February 17, 2025, at home.
Ralph was born on July 7, 1937, in Tuscola, Illinois, to Frank P. and Esther (Alley) Reed. He married Sue McGowen on March 16, 1958, in Potomac, and later Diana Maxwell on December 1, 1979, in Danville. Diana survives him.
He is survived by his daughter, Julie (Kevin) McKenzie of Danville; his sons, Rick (Beccy) Reed of Danville, Jason Kees of Brownsburg, Indiana and Justin (Lisa) Kees of Cortland, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Lindsay Darr, Tyler (Stefanie) McKenzie, Lauren (Matt) Wivinis, Jalyn Kees, Jaret Kees, Maddy Kees, and Jackson Kees; three great-grandchildren, Weston Kees, Reese McKenzie, and Reed Wivinis; his brother, Frank (Sharon) Reed of Normal; his sister, Marilyn Boen of Oakwood; two sisters-in-law, Sue Reed of Homer and Susan Reed of Michigan; as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, stepmother Rosalind Reed, granddaughter Miley Reed, sisters Margaret Gernand and Dorothy Ellis, brothers Joe, Harold, Albert, and Kenny Reed, brothers-in-law Ted Gernand and Bill Boen, and his beloved dog J.J.
Ralph graduated from Potomac High School and dedicated 36 years to his career as a route driver for Canteen Corporation until his retirement in 1997. Following retirement, he served as a car driver for Carmack Car Capitol for 20 years. Ralph was deeply proud of his family and cherished the time spent with them. He frequently spoke fondly of his four children. In his earlier years, he took pleasure in coaching his children's sports teams and later enjoyed attending his grandchildren's games. An enthusiastic sports fan, Ralph closely followed the St. Louis Cardinals and Illini Basketball. Additionally, he had a fondness for playing the lottery.
A Celebration of Life for Ralph will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Blurton Funeral Home in Potomac, with Mary Jo Fowler officiating. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be conducted following the services, and he will be interred at Sunset Memorial Park at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Danville Humane Society in Ralph’s name. The family has entrusted Blurton Funeral Home with the arrangements to honor Ralph's life. Condolences may be shared with the family on his memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.
