Harold was born February 5‚ 1936‚ in rural Havana‚ Kansas. He was one of seven siblings. Harold was an outstanding athlete in high school‚ lettering in football‚ basketball‚ and track all four years. He graduated from Peru High School in 1954.

He married Edna in 1957‚ and they had three wonderful children‚ Elizabeth‚ Harold Jr.‚ and Tracy. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nick‚ his oldest grandson‚ had served with him on the fire department for the past 10 years.

Harold D. Reed Sr. was 74 years old when he died of a heart attack while fighting a grass fire. He had been a volunteer firefighter for the city of Peru‚ and then captain of the Chautauqua County Rural Fire District #3 in Peru‚ Kansas‚ for a total of 47 years.

His dedication to the community went beyond just the fire department. He also served as mayor and councilman for the city of Peru for 50 years. While in office‚ he worked on countless projects to help improve the city. His proudest accomplishment was the completion of new water and sewer lines. His fair‚ consistent leadership and willingness to help others made him a very well respected and loved person in the community.

His interests and achievements have been his family‚ friends‚ and fire department. He was a great son‚ husband‚ dad‚ grandpa‚ great-grandpa‚ friend‚ community leader‚ and firefighter.