William Reed

William Simpson Reed, 83, of Webster Groves, Mo., died Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011.

He was born Oct. 25, 1927, son of Oral Fletcher and Ada King Reed of Cape Girardeau. He was the grandson of Thomas Simpson and Mary Elizabeth Reed of Advance, Mo., and Dr. George Oscar and Mary Alice King of New Haven, Mo.

Bill was a graduate of the University of Iowa and the University of Texas, where he received a Kellogg Foundation Grant.

He was honored to be selected as a member of school principals to visit schools in Russia. He also was honored as a member of Coro Foundation and received the Argus Award as an outstanding educator. He was a 57-year member of Phi Delta Kappa and member of Sons of the American Revolution.

Bill was principal of Maplewood-Richmond Heights Junior High School and Lyndover Elementary School 21 years. After an early retirement, Bill was employed by St. Louis County government as a spokesman for County Older Resident Programs (CORP). He was a lifetime member of the Methodist Church.

He enjoyed traveling abroad and throughout the United States and Canada. He was an avid bridge player and said he learned that as soon as he could hold the cards in his hands as a child.

Bill was very fond of and close with his first cousin, Mary Lee Rasmussen. He is also survived by three nieces, Lissa Heinemann, Susan Ellen Landusky, Alice Marie Halford; and a great-niece, Nora Reed Heinemann-Fleck.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Verna King Reed and Mary Ellen Heinemann.

A gathering to celebrate Bill's life will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Lupton Chapel, 7233 Delmar Blvd., University City, Mo. Brief prayer services will be held at 1 and 5 p.m.

Those wishing to honor Bill may make a donation to the charity of their choice.