J Austin Reid

J Austin Reid, 92, of Overland Park, Kansas—formerly of Goodland, Kansas—passed away

peacefully at home on June 16, 2025, after spending a joyful Father’s Day surrounded by his

family the day before.

Born on December 10, 1932, in Brewster, Kansas, J was the son of Fredrick Reid and Anna

(Goetsch) Reid. He graduated from Kansas State College in 1957 and went on to lead a dynamic

and diverse career that spanned more than 70 years. His professional journey began as a high

school teacher in Isabel, Kansas, and continued with roles at Cessna Aircraft Company in

Hutchinson, Kansas. Over the years, he ventured into various pursuits, including real estate

projects in Phoenix, Arizona, ownership of Reid Grain in Kanorado, Kansas, and Reid Implement

in Goodland, Kansas. Later, he owned and operated Shawnee Mission Motors in Merriam,

Kansas, before eventually working alongside his son Steve at KC Motor Company in Bucyrus,

Kansas—retiring, more than once, along the way.

Outside of work, J was a craftsman and natural problem-solver. Known as a "Mr. Fix-It," he could

often be found in his workshop tinkering with gadgets or building practical, creative solutions to

everyday challenges or games for enjoyment. He was a skilled handyman, a curious thinker, and

took great pride in keeping up with the fast-paced changes of the digital age.

A passionate Kansas State athletics fan, J rarely missed a football or basketball game—whether

traveling to attend in person or cheering from home. He carried that same unwavering support

into his role as a grandfather, faithfully attending his grandchildren’s games and activities and

celebrating their every success.

J is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy “Dotty” (Suiter) Reid; his children, Vicki (Reid) Cross

and her husband Phil Cross, and Steven Reid and his wife Cyndi (Yount) Reid; and his cherished

grandchildren, Reid and Dane Cross, and Lily, Avery, and Hudson Reid.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on  Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at Minnis Chapel in St. John,

Kansas. Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Farmington Cemetery in Macksville, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Macksville Christian

Church in J’s memory.

The Reid family extends their heartfelt gratitude to J’s caregiver, Kerry Parr, and to Spectrum

Home Health for their kindness and compassionate support.