Lynn Burton Reed

After 91 years spent entertaining us all, Lynn Reed made his final curtain call on November 16, 2015. Born in 1924 to parents Dr. O.C. and Mrs. Edna Belle (Merriman) Reed, Lynn grew up in Torrington, WY, participated in ROTC at Torrington High School, and then attended the University of Nebraska. Known for spinning yarns, Lynn was actually telling the truth when he said he and Johnny Carson were fraternity brothers in the Sigma Nu house in Lincoln. May 1943 saw Lynn inducted into the US Army, completing basic training at Camp Wolters (TX) and attending the Scholars in Foxholes program through the University of Missouri's Army Specialized Training Program (ASTP). In September of 1944, Lynn sailed to England on the Mariposa, arriving in Liverpool on his 20th birthday, just as German bombs fell. Soon, he was transferred to the 44th Infantry Division, where he served in France in both the 66th Infantry Division, also known as the Black Panthers, and the 114th Infantry Regiment, Company K. He and his fellow soldiers became the first full unit in the 44th to receive the Combat Infantryman Badge. Wounded at Weisslinger, France, Lynn earned his first of two Purple Hearts, recuperating in Dijon. Two days after Christmas 1944, Lynn headed back to the front, and on New Year's Eve, at Sarreguemines, France, he fought an intense battle within the German Panzer attack. Just days after that, shrapnel in the arm and leg brought his second Purple Heart (signified by a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), treatment at a hospital in England and the end of his Army career. After sailing back to the US on board the Queen Elizabeth in the spring of 1945, Lynn was honorably discharged in January 1946. He returned to Lincoln and met his bride, Jean Boecking. Before Jean passed away in 2009, the couple enjoyed six decades of marriage, filled with countless trips with Ports of Call, rounds of golf with the Sandblasters of El Jebel and social outings. Lynn began his long communications career in Lincoln, NE, as a DJ and host of the Gloom Busters show on KOLN. Soon, he relocated his family to Arvada, CO, and began working at KOA Radio. Lynn gave back to his community in many ways. He first joined the Masons in 1945 in Torrington Lodge No. 29, and affiliated with Denver's El Jebel Shrine in 1954, eventually becoming a Life Member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Denver Court 138, and joining the Colorado Consistory in 1963 as a 32° Scottish Rite Mason. In 1955, Lynn attended the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce meeting in Atlanta, earning first place in the ""Speak Up JayCees"" contest with an essay and speech on ""The Brotherhood of Man Transcends the Sovereignty of Nations."" In 1959, he helped found the Arvada Rotary. In the mid-1960s, Lynn opened Lynn Reed Advertising, and counted First Federal Savings & Loan among his premier clients. He also spent time in the 1980s as General Manager of KIIX and KTCL in Fort Collins, CO. Eventually the snow became a nuisance, and the Reeds relocated to Sun City West, AZ, where Lynn hosted a community TV show with Sheriff Joe Arpaio, and served as one of the Voices of the Sundome, announcing most events there, and even starring in several productions. He may be best remembered as Teddy in ""Arsenic and Old Lace."" Lynn is survived by his daughter, Jessica, son, Bob (Nancy), six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Bob graduated from the Naval Academy and two of Lynn's grandsons have served in the Army and the Navy. In addition to his wife, Lynn was preceded in death by one grandson. A memorial service will be held at Ft. Logan in 2016. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to PurpleHeartFoundation.org.