Ryan Lee Reed

Funeral services for Ryan Lee Reed, 43, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 3, 2023, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.    

Ryan Lee Reed departed this life at 2:15 a.m. Sunday morning, February 26, 2023 at NHC Healthcare in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 43 years, 8 months, and 26 days.

He was born May 31, 1979, in West Plains, Missouri to Jack Lee Reed and Brinda Irene Bankston Reed. Ryan attended West Plains High School and was also employed for a time at the West Plains Public Library from 1998-2002.  He was baptized into Christ and added unto the Lord’s church as a young man and was a faithful member of the AB Highway Church of Christ in West Plains, Missouri until he was physically unable to attend.  Ryan loved the Lord, and he loved the Lord’s church. When he was still physically able to worship with those of like precious faith, Ryan would participate in church worship as best as he could. Even as his physical disease began to take away his ability to walk, talk, see and hear, Ryan continued to worship the Lord. He would never miss an opportunity to lead songs and prayer. He even did some preaching for a time. Ryan was a model of faithfulness.  Ryan loved sports, especially baseball and NASCAR. He was a big fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Earnhardt racing teams. Ryan also loved to tell jokes and had a great sense of humor. His memory was incredible, recalling past events effortlessly while smiling and nodding as he spoke. When he could still speak, he rarely spoke without bursting out into laughter – which made any visit with Ryan so joyful. It was always such a blessing to be in his presence.  His smile and laugh were infectious, and his loving spirit was larger than life. The impact of his love and life has touched so many people. The glow of his illuminating character and spirit was stronger than his physical disease. Ryan was not defined by his disease, but rather by his love and faithfulness. The only sad thing about Ryan’s legacy, was that not enough people were blessed to have known him.

Ryan outlived all his immediate family. His parents and his twin sisters, Amy Cheryl (Reed) Kimbrough and Susan Louise (Reed) Lockett all preceded him in death.

He is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles who loved him dearly. His nieces include Mariah Roy and husband, Tyler of West Plains, Missouri and Allison Warren and husband Weston of West Plains, Missouri. Nephews include Malachi Allen and companion, Samantha Bruce of West Plains, Missouri, Brock Kimbrough and wife, Shyanne of Peace Valley, Missouri, and Brenden Kimbrough and wife Christi, also of Peace Valley, Missouri. One grand-niece Raelynn Roy and three grand-nephews: Langston Warren, Karsyn Kimbrough and Micco Allen.

Ryan is also survived by all his NHC Healthcare family and the staff at Three Rivers Hospice, who loved and cherished him, as he did them. He will certainly be missed, but his love will be felt and shared by all those who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.  Burial will be in Homeland Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to the family and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.