Obituary of Lester "Les" Ray Reid

Les was born on February 25, 1939 in Doylestown, OH to Lloyd and Edith Reid and was 1 of 10 children.

Les graduated from Norton High School in Norton, OH in 1958. He joined the Navy Reserves and served from 1957-1963.

In October of 1960, he went on the best blind date ever with Patricia (Patti) Ellen McComas. He started attending church with her and in December of 1960, he pledged his love to both her and his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Les and Patti married on June 16, 1962. Their married life started in a little upstairs apartment in Barberton, OH where Les also worked for PPG. In 1964, they moved to Rittman, OH and Les became a Prudential Insurance salesman.

Early in their marriage, from 1963-1971, the two of them served as leaders for Teen Time at their church. They had a huge impact on so many and to this day, many of those former teens have let them know what their spiritual guidance, time and friendship meant to each one of them.

In 1971, Les strongly felt the Lord’s leading to go into the ministry and the family packed everything up – including their 3 young children and one more on the way – and headed to Winona Lake, IN where Les went to college and seminary. Their home down on the island by the lake was always open to college and seminary students. On a shoestring budget and a prayer, many were fed a meal and friendships were built. It was a home away from home for so many.

In 1979, they moved to Denver, CO to minister in their first church. Over the years, they also lived in New Mexico, Minnesota and numerous towns in CO with the latest being here in Colorado Springs. Les was a preacher of the Word, a teacher of the word and was also a school teacher. He taught Bible studies, Sunday School and one-on-one Bible studies. He loved to sing in the choir. He especially loved all the hymns that are so rich with the truths of the Bible. He worked for Hammers of Hope that helped members of the church with projects in their homes and was also a part of “Kids Around the World” that tore down and rebuilt playgrounds for children all over the world. Even on his last day on this earth, he was sharing his faith and urging others to know His Savior. Les’s earthly heart was giving out on him but his heart for the Lord and for His people was stronger than ever.

Les enjoyed the outdoors. He enjoyed hiking, biking, walking and swimming (sometimes accidentally on his bike). He couldn’t get enough of watching bull riding both on TV and in person. We secretly think he wanted to be a bull rider. He couldn’t do enough crosswords and almost daily completed one if not two. He absolutely loved the mountains of Colorado. They were a solace to him and a place where he could think and find peace.

Les loved to play games and in his last years, Farkel was the game of choice – right up to the end.

Les was a “punny” man – not necessarily funny, but very punny! His Facebook page was pun after pun which led to groan after groan from all of us who got to read them. Even on his deathbed, he was zinging them out right and left. His throat was dry. His daughter-in-law offered him a lifesaver. He paused, then said “it’s a little late for that”. The hospice worker was going over information and the man said, I need to go over some demographics. Les perked up and said, “I’m a Republican!” To say that Les loved black licorice is an understatement and one of his last wishes was to have some. The wish was granted by his daughter-in-law and he thoroughly enjoyed every bite. He also wanted a Red Robin double burger and a “strawburry” milkshake. (For years, Patti tried to correct how he said that word.) His son immediately left the hospital and fulfilled that request.

Les loved his family more than anything. To help provide for them, he sometimes worked 2-3 jobs. He was very present in their lives and it shows. They all think the world of him and his death has left a huge hole in their hearts.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Edith Reid; his siblings Delores (Jim) Masters; Gail (Harvey) Gammell, Alvin Reid, Dennis Reid, Darrell Reid and Keith Reid; his grandchildren Ryan Dempsey and Marissa Dempsey.

Les leaves behind his wife, Patti of 61 years along with his children: Robert (Brigitte) Reid; Lisa (Jerry) Dempsey; Jeff (Dawn) Reid; and Michelle Bruce. His grandchildren: Connery Reid, Nicolas Reid, Jason (Hannah) Dempsey, Alexis Reid, Brandon Reid, Heath Reid, Hannah Reid, Dawson Bruce, Kaylee Bruce and McKenna Bruce. His great-grandchild: Jacob Dempsey, born on January 26, 2024. His siblings: Roger Reid, Edwin (Peggy) Reid, and David (Roberta) Reid. In addition to all these listed, Les leaves behind brothers-in-laws, sisters-in-laws, nephews, nieces and many friends. Too many to name. Les was dearly loved.

Les left this world on February 4th, 2024 at 6:01 pm with a smile on his face as he saw His Lord welcoming him home.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024 at 11:00AM at Restoration Church 9355 Peaceful Valley Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80925. Committal service with Navy honors to take place at 2:00PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Blvd. Colorado Springs, CO 80925.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation under Les name to the American Heart Association or Pikes Peak Hospice .

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones. Psalm 116:15