In Memory Of
Travis M. Reed
1980
2021
Travis M. Reed
February 1, 1980 — July 7, 2021
Travis M. Reed, 41, of Topeka, died July 7, 2021 in Topeka.
He was born February 1, 1980 in Hays, Kansas to Mark and Jauna (Payne) Reed of Silver Lake.
Travis was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He loved his family, friends, music, dogs, writing, and the Green Bay Packers.
Travis was a 1998 graduate of Silver Lake High School. During high school, he excelled in debate and forensics. Travis also played the trombone in band. This skill propelled him to becoming (for a time) a member of the local ska band, Effigy. They performed at Gator's in Topeka while Travis was in high school.
In 2003, Travis graduated from the University of Minnesota earning a bachelor's degree in Journalism. He was employed at the Minnesota Daily, the campus newspaper during his college career. Additionally, Travis worked as an intern for the Associated Press during his last two years of college. Upon graduation, Travis was employed as a Reporter for the Associated Press. He worked at bureaus in Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Orlando, and Miami.
During his time as a correspondent for The AP, he covered everything from NASCAR to NASA's last shuttle launches, hurricanes, political races and combined his love of writing and sports when he became the beat reporter for the NBA's Orlando Magic. His illustrious career took him up in the air during a helicopter ride with the governor to the depths of the sea during an inaugural voyage of a nuclear sub. He was even the first to spend the night in Cinderella's castle.
While in Orlando, Travis met fellow AP reporter and Florida native, Kelli Kennedy. Travis and Kelli were married on August 2, 2008 in Hillsborough Mile, Florida. The couple resided in Fort Lauderdale. During their marriage, Travis began his battle with mental illness.
Travis and Kelli divorced after several years of marriage. Despite their divorce, Travis remained close with Kelli and her parents, Bob and Renee Kennedy. The Kennedy Family will always hold a special place in our hearts for their continued love and concern, and all they have done for Travis.
Travis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clayton and Betty Reed; his uncle, Randy Reed; his aunt; Dana Reed Hayes; his cousins, C.J. Reed and Carrie Reed Smith.
Survivors include his parents; his sister, Wendy Reed Sexton (Scott); his nephew and niece, Drake and Alexandra "Allie" Sexton; his uncle, Ted Hayes (Janet); his aunt, Sherry Reed; his cousins, Ryan Hayes (Jamie), Tara Falconio (Rob), Julie Murphy (Kyle) and Casey Reed.
A Celebration of Travis' Life will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, May 21, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka, Blvd., Topeka, KS.
Travis' earthly body has been cremated and will be inurned at Mount Liberty Cemetery, Oak Hill, Kansas, Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, Oak Hill, KS. This service is jointly memorializing Travis' uncle, Randy Reed, who passed away at the height of the pandemic after his long years battling cancer.
The family greatly appreciates the outpour of love and support since Travis' death. They are grateful to be able come together and to grieve their loss and celebrate Travis' many accomplishments, character and life.
Dove Cremations and Funerals – Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610 is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Lake Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 44, Silver Lake, KS 66539
To share your memories of Travis or to leave a special message of condolence for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
He was born February 1, 1980 in Hays, Kansas to Mark and Jauna (Payne) Reed of Silver Lake.
Travis was a beloved son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. He loved his family, friends, music, dogs, writing, and the Green Bay Packers.
Travis was a 1998 graduate of Silver Lake High School. During high school, he excelled in debate and forensics. Travis also played the trombone in band. This skill propelled him to becoming (for a time) a member of the local ska band, Effigy. They performed at Gator's in Topeka while Travis was in high school.
In 2003, Travis graduated from the University of Minnesota earning a bachelor's degree in Journalism. He was employed at the Minnesota Daily, the campus newspaper during his college career. Additionally, Travis worked as an intern for the Associated Press during his last two years of college. Upon graduation, Travis was employed as a Reporter for the Associated Press. He worked at bureaus in Minneapolis, Salt Lake City, Orlando, and Miami.
During his time as a correspondent for The AP, he covered everything from NASCAR to NASA's last shuttle launches, hurricanes, political races and combined his love of writing and sports when he became the beat reporter for the NBA's Orlando Magic. His illustrious career took him up in the air during a helicopter ride with the governor to the depths of the sea during an inaugural voyage of a nuclear sub. He was even the first to spend the night in Cinderella's castle.
While in Orlando, Travis met fellow AP reporter and Florida native, Kelli Kennedy. Travis and Kelli were married on August 2, 2008 in Hillsborough Mile, Florida. The couple resided in Fort Lauderdale. During their marriage, Travis began his battle with mental illness.
Travis and Kelli divorced after several years of marriage. Despite their divorce, Travis remained close with Kelli and her parents, Bob and Renee Kennedy. The Kennedy Family will always hold a special place in our hearts for their continued love and concern, and all they have done for Travis.
Travis was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clayton and Betty Reed; his uncle, Randy Reed; his aunt; Dana Reed Hayes; his cousins, C.J. Reed and Carrie Reed Smith.
Survivors include his parents; his sister, Wendy Reed Sexton (Scott); his nephew and niece, Drake and Alexandra "Allie" Sexton; his uncle, Ted Hayes (Janet); his aunt, Sherry Reed; his cousins, Ryan Hayes (Jamie), Tara Falconio (Rob), Julie Murphy (Kyle) and Casey Reed.
A Celebration of Travis' Life will be held 11:00 am, Saturday, May 21, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, 600 SW Topeka, Blvd., Topeka, KS.
Travis' earthly body has been cremated and will be inurned at Mount Liberty Cemetery, Oak Hill, Kansas, Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 am. Lunch will follow at Oak Hill Presbyterian Church, Oak Hill, KS. This service is jointly memorializing Travis' uncle, Randy Reed, who passed away at the height of the pandemic after his long years battling cancer.
The family greatly appreciates the outpour of love and support since Travis' death. They are grateful to be able come together and to grieve their loss and celebrate Travis' many accomplishments, character and life.
Dove Cremations and Funerals – Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd., Topeka, KS 66610 is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Silver Lake Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 44, Silver Lake, KS 66539
To share your memories of Travis or to leave a special message of condolence for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Travis M. Reed, please visit our flower store.
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