Mike “Lefty” Reed
Mike passed away on October 17, 2020 at the age of 81 in Mesa, Arizona after a short illness. He was loved by his wife, Nancy Unrein Reed who never believed in soul mates until she married Mike. His sister, Vicky Hofer(Dale). His children, Michael Reed (Vicki), Kelli Schuler (George), Pat Unrein (Missy), John Unrein (Wendy), Casey Unrein (Diana), his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, niece and nephews that he loved with all his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill (Doc)and Emma Reed and his sisters Judy, Pat and Shari.
Mike proudly graduated from Lawrence High School and Emporia State.
He coached at 0lathe and Washburn Rural High school in Topeka. He coached football, gymnastics and golf.
After coaching he was a GM for numerous car dealerships.
For the last 10 years he drove a school bus for Washburn Rural.
Mike had many friends because he had many interests. He was an athlete, coach, teacher, salesman and all around friendly, fun guy. He had a passion for sports (especially his beloved KU), golf, poker and gambling on all of them! His other favorite thing was a good cigar, or any cigar.
He wanted no funeral, he hated them and didn’t want to make his loved ones endure one because of him. He would want you all to know how much you meant to him!
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. I really liked him when he hung out with Geno and I..
Nancy, I’m truly sorry for your loss. There’s never anything that can be said that eases the pain of losing someone you love. Know that my thoughts are with you and your family.
Nancy my deepest condolences. I did not get to know Mike well, but our endorsement, his coaching and Washburn Rural ties were good enough for me to be fond of him. Prayers of peace
RIP coach, almost always enjoyed our days at WRHS. You taught many well. Can 2020 get any worse…
Thinking of you. Wish I could come to Johnny’s in Lawrence. But unable to at night. Love you and may God Bless you during this time of grief.
NANCY I am so so sorry to hear about Mike. He was such a super guy and I know you loved him dearly. I know your loss and my heart hurts for you.
Nancy I’m so sorry to hear about Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Sorry to hear about Coach Reed. He was my football coach in 72 – 73 and 73 – 74. I will miss him.
Sad news. Thoughts and prayers for Mike and all the many who love him and will miss him lots.
I will remember Mike on the deck with George, smoking their cigars…..❤️. Love you Nancy..
Best coach ever. Protected me. Made me know I had value. Expected me to do my best, whatever that could be! I’ve always thought highly of coach. Class of 1975
Nancy and family we are sadden to here of the passing of Mike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Love:
Jeff,Janice,Loren and Jacob
So sorry for your loss, prayers for you and your family.
We were shocked and very saddened to hear about Mike. I’ll never forget the encouragement he gave me when I was playing football. Thanks Coach!! His love and adoration for you, Nancy, was SO obvious and beautiful to watch! I’m sure he’s found a poker machine somewhere up there in our vast , beautiful, place called heaven, patiently waiting for his partner in life. Love you guys………
Nancy & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. We’re keeping you in our thoughts & prayers. May He Rest In Peace & God Speed……
Sorry to hear about the passing of Coach Reed. He seemed ageless with a lot of personality and enthusiasm for sports. He should be honored at Washburn Rural High School for the legacies he left behind. ???
Nancy ,
So sorry to hear of this news ! It seemed like he was just driving our basketball team to a game on the bus yesterday !! Prayers to you and your family during this difficult time !!
Nancy I am so sorry to see this obit for your husband. I know what you are going through I can feel your pain. I lost my husband a year ago this month and still think of him. Be with the Lord and He will see you through it
My condolences to all. I was just thinking about Coach Reed the other day. He was my football coach in high school and more recently my bus driver for the WRMS Football team I coached. It was good to get caught up and reacquainted during the ride.
So sorry to hear this. We all have our special memories with Coach Reed. May he rest in peace and continue on with his favorite activities in his new life!
Miss watching Coach and Tom Parmlee putting on the putting green at Western Hills. I’m sure Mike is putting on the big green in the sky. Miss you, Coach!
Mike never met a stranger. If he did they were not one when he said see you later. What a man and soul. I will not forget Mike Reed.
Nancy,
I just now read about this in the paper today. I am so sorry! The girls and I loved him as our bus driver and he was always a big supporter of our teams. May he rest in peace!
Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about Mike. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. His family was the first my parents met when they moved to Lawrence in the mid 50s. I have fond memories of Doc and Emma and their family that felt like my own. Mike was always smiling and although I hadn’t seen him in years, when I did he would ask about my parents. Rest in peace Mike.
Nancy, I was so sorry to read of Mike’s passing in the Topeka paper today. I was just talking to someone not too long ago about you guys moving to Arizona last year. I am glad I got to meet Mike and get reacquainted with you when I was a para two years ago. Golf on!
Been friends with Mike since early teens. Playing football, baseball and anything else together. Tough but a nice guy. Would walk, on his hands, up and down the Haskell Stadium steps. John Hadl and I got to watch lots of KU football with Lefty. Best to you Nancy. Hope to see you in Arizona.
Nancy,
So sorry to see this today. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love you Craig & Cindy Busey
Mike and I go back to grade school at McAllaster, LJHS, and LHS class of 1957. He was terrific person and excelled at any sport he participated in.
Thinking of you during this difficult time and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Shocked and saddened to learn of Lefty’s passing. My condolences to Nancy and all the Reed clan. Mike judged gymnastics for KU when I was the gymnastics coach there. We have been good friends since high school. Lots of fond memories and great stories through the years. Miss him a bunch! RIP Lefty, Coach Bob Lockwood