Roland Ray 'Corky' Reed Jr.

June 2, 1929--Sept. 25, 2005

Roland Ray "Corky" Reed Jr., 76, died Sunday (Sept. 25, 2005) at his home in McCook.

Corky was born June 2, 1929, in McCook to Helen F. (Kagy) and Dr. Roland Ray Reed Sr. He was nicknamed "Corky" a day after his birth by one of the nuns at McCook Hospital, it stuck. He grew up in McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1947.

In the early 1950s, Corky served in the U.S. Air Force while earning his business and accounting degree from the University of Colorado. During the 1960s, he worked for IBM and then at Ryder Truck Rental as a senior data processing manager. He lived in Denver, Colo., and then Miami, Fla., before moving back to McCook in 1974. He owned the Kits-N-Kaboodle Hobby Shop until he opened the Mexico Lindo restaurant in 1984, which he operated until the time of his death.

Survivors include four daughters, Melanie Reed and her husband, Jerry Freier of Ft. Collins, Colo., Kim Reed of Denver, Lisa Jordan and husband, Pete of Tampa, Fla., and Tina McCoy of Ft. Collins; two sons, Dean A. McCoy and wife, Tammy of San Diego, Calif., and Christian Sornson and wife, Crystal of Salem, Ore.; special friend, Joan Gilliam of McCook; eight grandchildren; and four nieces and nephews. He was married to and divorced from V. Joan (DeHart) Church, Vivienne Sornson and Jeanette Reed.

Corky loved his friends and community. He had a soft heart for all animals, but especially his beloved dogs. His hobbies and passions included railroad modeling, motorcycle riding, building and flying remote control airplanes and having coffee with his buddies. During the past few years, Corky and his friend, Joan Gilliam, enjoyed each others' company, attending the McCook High School softball games, watching the moon and stars and just hanging out together. He was a member of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in McCook.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Jean; and son, Mark.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the McCook Humane Society.

A funeral service will be Thursday, 10:30 a.m., at St. Alban's Episcopal Church with the Rev. Tom White officiating. Inurnment will be Friday, 10:30 a.m., at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Visitation will be Tuesday, 4-6 p.m., and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friends may also leave condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com. Carpenter Breland Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.