Dr. Byford Lee Reed

FORT COLLINS, COLO.

Dr. Byford Lee Reed, DDS, 88, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2017 at his new residence in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

He was born to the late Allen and Blanche (Roos) Reed and raised in Lamar, Indiana.

His father passed away when Byford was a young child, and it gives his family great comfort knowing he has been reunited with his dad in Heaven.

Byford graduated from Indiana State University and began a career in education.

After teaching for two years, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

Recently, Byford’s military memorabilia was donated to The Indiana Historical Society for all to enjoy.

Following Byford’s service in the military, he attended Indiana University School of Dentistry and graduated in 1960. He started his dental practice in Greenwood, and was one of only three dentists in the area at that time.

Byford enjoyed serving his patients so much he practiced for over 50 years, delaying his retirement until he was 81 years old.

Upon retirement, Byford enjoyed traveling, running and outdoor house projects.

He was a member of the Greenwood Rotary, the police merit commission and was involved in local politics.

He was also an active participant in the Boy Scouts of America and was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1981. In his 70s, Byford resumed competitive running and competed in several Senior Masters track meets around the country. He was ranked fifth nationally in the 100-meter dash in the 80-84 year old age bracket. He competed in over 70 races and won more then 50 metals.

Byford married Jessie Ahrens on June 9, 1957 and they recently enjoyed celebrating their 60th anniversary.

Jessie survives him with their four children, Julie (Eric Wolf), Stacy (Greg Walker), Phil (Gina) and Brad (Christie); and 14 grandchildren, Ellen and Gus Wolf, Adrienne, Elena, Celia and Ava Cristofoli, Sophie and Georgia Reed, Henry, Katie and Annie Reed, Jacob, Jonny and Gabe Walker.

He was preceded in death by his younger sister, Lois (Reed) Fruits.

Byford was an example of how wonderful life can be.

Everything he did showed how much he loved his family.

Please join his family in sharing memories at his celebration of life on Friday, September 15, 2017 from 4 to 8 p.m. at The Columns, 230 W. Main St., Greenwood.

Memorial contributions can be made in Byford’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.

To share a memory, please visit www.vesseyfuneralservice.com.