Dale Wayne Reed, 73, of Salina, Kansas died peacefully at home on January 12, 2021. He was born on February 5, 1947 in rural Jewell County, Kan., to Floyd “Jack” and Roberta (Morrow) Reed.

Dale carried on his Dad’s work ethic and his Mom’s love of knowledge into adulthood, and was proud to earn a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Kansas State University. He met his wife, Jean Ann (Lancaster) when they were both attending college there. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1968, and he and Jean were married on January 10, 1970 in Topeka, Kan. He was stationed in four stateside locations as well as Morocco where he and Jean spent their first few years of marriage together. After he was discharged, he worked as an Electronics Technician for a firm in Olathe, Kan., and then at the Evapotranspiration Laboratory (ET) at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. He and Jean had two children, Kristen and Keri while there. He completed his career as the Electrical Engineer for El Dorado National Bus Company, in Salina. Just prior to retiring, he was diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). While it was a big part of his life for the last 20 years, his essence remained. Dale was a proud husband, father, brother, veteran, and American. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his helpfulness, his work ethic, his stubbornness, his friendliness, his sense of right and wrong, his love of donuts and coffee, his orderliness and routines, his signature phrases – “He’s off to the races!”, and his handsome features and big smile.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his sisters, Phyla Zolo and Johnita Pearl Malone.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Ann Reed, Salina; his children, Kristen Zimmerman, Mulvane, Kan., and Keri Skinner (Teru), Edmonton, Alberta, Canada; his brothers, Delno Reed and Doyle Reed, both of Concordia, Kan.; sister, Juanice Reed, Chandler, Okla.; two grandchildren; and two grand-dogs.

There will be no visitation, and the funeral service will be scheduled after COVID passes.

In his memory, his family asks that you spend time with your family — share a joke, enjoy a day of hunting or watching football, reminiscing about old times, or sharing a donut. He will be missed dearly.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sunrise Presbyterian Church of Salina, the Pike Valley Foundation, or Hospice of Salina, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N 8th St, Salina, Kan., 67401.