Ernest Frank Reed, Sr.

Ernest Frank Reed, Sr., 91, of Topeka, passed away on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at his home attended by his family. He was born on October 19, 1918 in Melvern, Arkansas, the son of Willie and Mattie Anderson Reed. He was a life-long resident of Topeka. Ernest was an Army veteran of WWII, serving in Japan. He was employed as a male nurse for the Topeka State Hospital and the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center before retiring in 1983. He was a member of the Shawnee Meadows Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Ernest married Cecelia Emelda Balum on December 9, 1947. She preceded him in death on April 5, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, Benny Anderson, Charles Anderson, Clemetee Reed, Maxine Girton and Carlease Esquibel Brooks. Survivors include a daughter, Miriam Ida Hysten and sons, Ernest F. Reed, Jr., George H. Reed and Alfred Thomas Reed all of Topeka, nine grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and one sister, Joyce Marie Reed of Topeka.

Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at Penwell-Gabel Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow in Topeka Cemetery. Ernest will lie in state and the family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.