Houston Reed

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 from 4-7 pm at the Runge Mortuary. Services will be held at 12 pm on Friday, June 26, in the Runge Mortuary & Crematory Chapel. He will be laid to rest in National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.

He was the second eldest of his eight siblings. The Reed family moved to Chicago, Illinois in 1938. Houston received his formal education in the Chicago public school system. He graduated from Wendell Phillips High School in 1950. During that same year, he was drafted into the arm forces where he served in the Korean war.

Houston was married for a brief period to May Reed, and from this union his son, Michael Reed, was born June 21, 1951, who preceded him in death. After serving his country, Houston was employed at the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA), where he worked as a conductor as well as on the railways inspecting and testing the rail cars/trains. After more than 30 years of service he retired.

Houston married Mary Jean Morris (who preceded him in death on April 26, 2021). Houston and Mary moved from Chicago to Las Vegas, where they lived for more than 30 years.

He loved spending time at the casinos, eating good food, and traveling the world. His love for family was strong. He often encouraged his family and friends to come out to Las Vegas to spend quality time and enjoy all the city had to offer. Houston never met a stranger; he loved to talk and shoot the breeze with anyone who was willing to chop it up with him. He brought so much joy and laughter to his family and friends. His laugh and smile were infectious. Houston was a sporty man; he had a great sense of style. You would often see him wearing hats to coordinate with his outfits. He carried that sense of style until his last day on this earth.

Houston passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, IA.

Those left to honor his life include his daughter, Shiniece (Gerome) Trent, of Cedar Rapids: two sisters, Annie B. Green (Illinois) and Leatha Reed-Woolfolk (Georgia); his six brothers preceded him in death, Arjester Reed, John W. Reed, Garland Reed, Jr., Charles Reed and twins Willie and Wilbur Reed; eight grandchildren, Brian, Brandon, Jennifer, Dewon, Kawon, Shyonna, and Keeyonna; along with three great grandchildren, five extended grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.