RICHARD THOMPSON REED, JR., age 64, died Thursday, January 16, 2014, at his residence in Charleston.

He was born August 17, 1949 in Cairo, IL, to Dorothy Farmer Reed who survives of Charleston and the late Richard T. Reed Sr.

Following his graduation from East Prairie High School, he served with the United States Air Force 1969 – 1971. In 1985 he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Southeast MO State University. He owned and operated Brink Insurance Agency for many years and was currently serving as Mississippi County Public Administrator, a position he had held since 2005. In 2012 he was recognized by the City of Charleston with a proclamation of appreciation for being "an untiring advocate and supporter of many Charleston causes". His many involvements included being a member of the First Baptist Church where he was serving as Treasurer, had been a Youth Sunday School teacher, and was an "Honorary" member of the choir; member of the Mississippi County Library Board; in 1977 served as chairman of the Dogwood Azalea Festival and was instrumental in revitalizing Festival activities; member and former President of the Charleston Kiwanis Club; member and former President of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce; member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge #407AF & AM having served as Worshipful Master; and was a strong supporter of all Charleston school activities being an avid fan of Blue Jay Sports, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Mizzou Tigers.

On September 21, 1974, he married Deidre Ellis Reed, who survives of the home.

In addition to his wife and mother, surviving are two sons, Richard T. "Tres" (Whitney) Reed III and Joseph Ellis Reed all of Cape Girardeau; one sister, Pat (Phil) Stiefel of Virginia Beach, VA; one sister in law, Karen Ellis (Dick) Brown of Charleston; one brother in law, Mike (Loretta) Ellis of Charleston; four nephews, Nathan Stiefel of Woodbridge, VA, Jeremy Stiefel of Virginia Beach, VA, Chris Brown and Dee Brown both of Charleston; one great nephew, Jacob Stiefel and one great niece, Rebekah Stiefel.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his mother and father in law, Joe and Loiselle Fisher Ellis, and one nephew, Kevin Brown.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Charleston where Masonic rites will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, January 19, 2014. Rev. Michael Brewer, pastor, and Rev. Gerald Collier of Ironton, will officiate.

Graveside Rites will be conducted by the Missouri Military Honor Guard at the IOOF Cemetery. Interment will follow under the direction of McMikle Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Mike McIlroy, Chuck Farmer, Bruce Farmer, John Keener, Paul Keener, Bill Woods, Bobby Schott, Joe Forrest, and Clinton Graham.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Hopgood, Steve Hodges, Kent Hunter, Bruce Banks, Lee Felts, Robert Falkhoff, Barry Bennett, and Jim Hitchcock.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 442, Charleston, MO 63834.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.