Richard "Dick" Merle Reed, 73, passed away from lung cancer on November 5, 2007 at Kavanagh House on 56th in Des Moines where he was surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 17, 1934 in Boone, IA to Mabel Thelma Wingo and Merle Edward Reed. On September 29, 1957, he married Phyllis Ilene Bloomquist and were married 37 years. While living in Boone, he worked in sales for Sears and M & A Hardware. In 1959, he originated Modern Appliance in Boone which he owned and operated until 1970. Then in 1970, he moved to Des Moines and worked for Sidles Dist. in sales and then Whirlpool Corp. as a Regional Salesperson where he won numerous awards for excellence. In 1965, they had their only child, Rebecca "Becky" Kay Reed. Dick was a member of the United Methodist Church, Elks Club and the Shriner's.

He was a wonderful dad and papa. He loved his family and instilled in us family values and cared for us in so many ways. Dick enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family at his cabin at Twin Lakes. He loved keeping busy with his projects, yardwork, house maintenance, building decks, siding, tiling, plumbing and other construction projects, as well as helping others. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing with his grandchildren and watching their sports. He also had a passion for lengthy conversations and telling long stories. His love of speaking helped him excel to be the great salesperson that he was. He enjoyed traveling in his early years to Puerto Rico, Spain, Italy, England, Bahamas, Mexico and Bermuda. He traveled with family to Hawaii as a treasured memory. During retirement he enjoyed spending time in Arizona.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Becky Lange and son-in-law, Kurt Lange of Urbandale; grandchildren, Brittany Malee Lange (15), Blake (Richard) Lange (9) and Brice Herbert Lange (3); his companion, Shirley Ruckdashel; brothers, Dave Reed and Tom Reed, brother-in-law, Lou Jones and sister-in-law, Kathy Reed, nephews, nieces, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Ilene Bloomquist Reed in 1994; his mother, Mabel Thelma Reed in 1994; his father, Merle Edward Reed in 1995 and his sister, Marilyn Jones in 2002.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 9 at Brooks Funeral Care, 7975 University Blvd, Clive. Funeral Services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 10 at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 8th and Grand Ave. Burial will follow in Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines then the family will greet friends back at the church for a time of food and fellowship.

Memorial donations may be made in Dick's name to Kavanagh House 900-56th Street, Des Moines, IA 50312 to be used for a gold leaf on the "Tree of Life".