Barry Reed, Sr.

BARRY KINGSTON REED, SR. January 31, 1936 - October 3, 2014 Barry Kingston Reed, Sr. was called home by his Heavenly Father on October 3, 2014. He was born in Memphis, Tennessee on January 31, 1936, to James Peter and Mary Rebecca Hill Reed, who preceded him in death as did his brother, James Courtney Reed. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jennie Lynd Leyendecker Reed and by their three wonderful children Barry Kingston Reed, Jr. (Adriana) of Laredo; Victoria Lynd (Dr. Raul III) Vela, of San Antonio, and Michael Shelby Reed, Sr. (Mia Shaun) of Laredo. Also surviving him are nine grandchildren; Jordan Kingston Reed, Janice Kay Reed and Natalie Lynd Reed; Raul Vela IV. and Jennie Lynd Vela; also Stephanie Nicole Reed, Michael Shelby Reed, II (Rebeka), James Thomas Reed and Mia Analiese Reed. Also surviving him are his sister-in-law Patricia Hefren Reed and nieces Courtney Rebecca and Alexis Reed and her husband Duane Johnson of New Orleans, Louisiana. Also sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Linda Leyendecker (Albert Martin) Gutierrez Jr. of Laredo, Mary Tom Leyendecker (Vernon Jack) Claflin of Blanco, Texas, Valerie Leyendecker of Laredo and Thomas A. (Claudia) Leyendecker III of Laredo. Nieces and nephews include Albert M. (Christina) Gutierrez, III, Ana Lamar Gutierrez (John) Volpe, Raymond Martin Gutierrez (Tanya), Jessica Lynd Claflin (Mark) Gum, Vernon Jack (Lynne) Claflin, Jr., Christopher Lang (Petra) Claflin and Chainé Elizabeth Leyendecker. Also great-grandson Bradly Michael Reed and great-nephews and nieces Alegra Lamar, Alberto Toms and Anna Marie Volpe; Chandler Lynd and Jake Gum; Andrea Victoria, Sofia Christina, Ava Martin and Thomas Albert Gutierrez; Matthew, Luke, Paul and James Claflin; Eli Henry and Mica Jane Claflin; Gia Sherry and Ana Lamar Gutierrez. Barry's family came to the United States from England, originally settling in Tennessee and the surrounding area. As with most families, job opportunities caused them to spread across the country, which is what brought his immediate family to California and later to Laredo. As his family spread, many contacts were lost or lessened, but the two cousins Barry never lost touch with were Rebecca Rodgers and Joyce Emrich, who helped put together their family stories. When Barry was a child, his grandparents took their family to California as war clouds and rumors of war were gathering for what would become World War II. His family members became involved in one way or another. His aunt Daisy was one of many women who went to work and she became what would be known as a "Rosie the Riveter" and other family members, including his father, did what they could for what would be known as the war effort. He would later fascinate his children and grandchildren with stories of life in California during that time, as in his young mind, the barrage balloons that hung in the air and the massive movement of soldiers, were exciting, not dangerous. That same curiosity and fascination with the world around him would develop all his life, making him an unbeatable opponent in trivia games and world event debates. He attended schools in California, already exhibiting his life-long interests in music, art, photography and baseball, where he was chosen for the varsity team for El Monte High School. While Barry was still in high school, his father was offered a job in Texas and the family settled in the Rio Grande Valley. Barry graduated from San Benito High School where he was a member of the band, playing trumpet and Sousaphone. As the school did not have a baseball team, he played with American Legion teams in the area. He attended Texas A & M University his freshman year, where he played the tuba with the "Fish" band. He then decided to pursue his love of art and studied at the Los Angeles Art Center School. Barry joined the family in Laredo when his father was offered a job by Mexican industrialist O. L. Longoria. In Laredo Barry again found a way to play ball. The friends he met at church played with various amateur and semi-pro teams in the area and at Washington Baseball Park, which was later demolished when the Laredo Civic Center was built. Barry's favorite position was as pitcher and that included for many All Star teams. Starting his career with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company which later became A T and T, his long career took the family to several locations throughout Texas When he and Jennie married, Barry joined the United States Army in the Signal Corps which took them to Fort Monmouth New Jersey and to Germany, where their daughter Victoria Lynd was born, joining her brother Barry Jr. to complete their little family until Michael Shelby joined them. Upon his Honorable Discharge, the family settled in Laredo, where he again rejoined the "Ma Bell" family. Upon his retirement, he focused again on his love of reading, music, cooking, photography and art. He was awarded many accolades in the art community. His home always reverberated with the sounds of music. Barry worshipped at Christ Church Episcopal. He was accepted as a member of Mensa and loved learning new technology. Some of his great joys were the "road trips" he began with his brother, good friends, and eventually with his sons, son-in-law and brother-in-law that took them exploring all over the U. S. His friendly, unassuming way won him friends wherever he went. The family wishes to thank Fr. Paul Frey, his physicians, as well as nurses and caregivers, including those at Carestat Buena Aventura, Bronze Star Ambulance Service,Laredo Specialty Hospital and Altus Hospice for making it possible for him to end his days in comfort in the home he loved. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations in his name to be made to the Laredo Animal Protective Society, 2500 Gonzalez, Laredo, Texas 78040. Graveside services will take place Saturday, October 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the family plot in the Laredo City Cemetery. You may extend your condolences to the family online at www: joejacksonfuneralchapels.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the funeral service professionals at Joe Jackson North Funeral Chapels, 1410 Jacaman Rd., Laredo, Texas 78041, (956) 722-8850.