Lester Reed Obituary

Lester H. "Les" Reed

Lester H. "Les" Reed, 73, of Findlay, passed away Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at Ohio State University Ross Heart Hospital, Columbus, surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and sisters.

He was born Oct. 4, 1949, in Toledo, to James and Shirley (Kidwell) Reed. Les worked at Rollins Leasing as a mechanic, service manager, and worked his way to district service manager which lead him to Chicago, Illinois. While at Rollins Leasing, he earned numerous awards acknowledging his accomplishments. Family life lead him back to Ohio where he worked at Findlay Ford Lincoln Mercury for 14 years. After establishing a second generation of children, Les and Linda started a business in Findlay. They were the proud owners of Findlay Quality Collision which has been in business for 23 years.

Les married Linda St. John on May 7, 1983, and she survives along with their children, Shelli (Jeff) Blackburn, Rick (Don Aberl) Reed, Rob (Angie) Thomas, Justin (Judy) Merrick, and Lucas Reed; sisters, Jackie (Mike) Wanless and Rita Caudill; grandchildren, Grant Blackburn, Grace Blackburn, Hunter Thomas, Adie Merrick, Ben Merrick, and Anthony Merrick; sister-in-law, Alta Reed; and brother-in-law, Richard VanAlstine. Les had many nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Tom Reed; sister, Zoe VanAlstine; brother-in-law, Charlie Caudill; nephew, Shane Reed; father-in-law, Ralph St. John; mother-in-law, Dorothy St. John; and sister-in-law, Pat Kujawa.

With Les, family always came first. Les loved being around his children, grandchildren, and friends playing board games, sitting around the campfire, making fudge, having cocktail hour, or just having a fun enjoyable time. Les loved to spoil his grandchildren. He would sit on the floor to play, take them school shopping, and attend their sporting events. Les was a true outdoorsman at heart including activities such as camping, fishing, golfing, boating, and hunting. Les enjoyed checking out different restaurants for dinner with family and friends. Les was a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan. Every winter, Les and Linda would head to Florida to be snowbirds. Les will be remembered for numerous things, but most of all, his unconditional love for his entire family. He was loved by all and will be missed terribly.

Our family would like to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to all of the doctors and nurses at OSU Ross Heart Hospital and Blanchard Valley Hospital. The commitment and compassion they showed to Les and to our family was very comforting and we will never forget your kindness and dedication.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, 2023, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. The family has asked that those attending visitation come dressed in Ohio State colors.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay. There will be a celebration of Les's life right after at Coldren-Crates Hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cops and Kids Go Shopping, PO Box 1335, Findlay, Ohio, 45839, Flag City Honor Flight, PO Box 885, Findlay, Ohio, 45839-0885, or Welcome to a new life, 2447 Tiffin Ave. PMB 105, Findlay, Ohio, 45840.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.