Reginald "Reggie" Norman Ledford, Lee’s Summit, Missouri, was born June 17, 1941, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to parents Donald and Jo Ledford. He passed away suddenly at home on December 28, 2019.
He met the love of his life, Patti Haug, on a blind date, and they were married on August 22, 1964, in Independence, Missouri. They have two sons, Shane and Jon.
Reggie was a genuine people person. He enjoyed talking to people and telling stories, and he made it a point to talk to 10 people each time he attended church service, with hopes they would pay it forward.
He was proud to serve his country and flag as a member of the Army’s 82nd Airborne based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, from January 1961 to January 1964...and embraced his creaky knees as fond memories and souvenirs of his many parachute jumps.
Reggie began selling newspapers as a young boy, and his natural people-pleasing demeanor eventually led him to have a very successful career as an agent with Shelter Insurance from 1979 - 2000. When he retired, he stated he did not miss much of the business aspect of the job, but he "did truly miss the people."
Besides family, his next greatest love was fishing. He went on several fishing expeditions to Alaska, Canada, Minnesota, Arkansas, and Texas... but he also enjoyed fishing on local lakes. During this recent Christmas of 2019, he said the trip he took in October 2019 with his two sons and grandson (Kevin) to Taneycomo, Missouri, was the best Christmas present he could ask for, and one of the best fishing trips he had ever been on.
Also, this past year, he enjoyed a unique visit with his other grandson (Joey) to Union Station in Kansas City to see the Union Pacific Big Boy locomotive during an overnight stop on its cross-country tour.
Another love of his was frequently playing poker at Ameristar Casino with his "poker buddies". When he would get a winning hand, it was very common for him to yell out, "Turn the crank!"
Reggie loved helping others and was an invaluable handyman to all. With the help of written directions or "YouTube" videos, he was able to complete about any repair. If you asked him for help, you had better be ready, as he would be at your doorstep, tools in hand, the next morning, ready to complete the project.
Church was an important part of his life and he enjoyed the times with his prayer group friends.
He is survived by his wife, Patti; sons, Shane (wife Janell) and Jon; grandsons, Joey and Kevin; one sister, Betty Ann; twin brothers, Mark and Paul; and many nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents; and brothers John, David, Donald, Duane, and Douglas.
Reggie was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, family man, true southern gentleman, friend, and mentor to many. He will be greatly missed.
A Mass and Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 Southwest State Route 150, Lee's Summit, Missouri.
Rosary will precede services beginning at 10:00 am and completed at 10:30 am.
A reception will be held at 12:00 pm at the Church and all are invited.
The family will not be wearing suits, sports coat, so feel free to dress comfortably.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Holy Spirit Catholic Church to be designated for the Summer Lunch Program or a charity of your choice.
