Wayne Arthur Reel Jr., 72, of Parsons died at 5:05 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin following a lengthy illness.

He was born May 7, 1939, in rural Coffeyville to Wayne Arthur Sr. and Elna Mae (Moore) Reel. He lived in Altamont until age 6, and moved to Parsons. He was a graduate of Parsons High School.

He then served in the Army and upon his honorable discharge returned to Parsons, where he attended Parsons Junior College.

He married Ellen Jean Carnahan on June 10, 1961, in Parsons. From 1969 through 1977, he was employed by USD 503 in Parsons as a custodian. The family then moved to Houston for a short time. Upon their return to Parsons, he continued his employment at USD 503 where he worked until retiring in 1994 due to ill health.

He was a member of the Berachah Church in Houston, Texas, and participated in the Petrea Congregation in Parsons. He enjoyed cars, drawing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Jean Reel of the home; a son, Wayne A. Reel III of Parsons; a godson, Victor Allen Farran of Parsons; a grandson, Wayne A. Reel IV; a granddaughter, Kayla Joy Reel; two great-grandchildren, Taylor Wayne Mahan and Marissa Joy Mahan; two brothers, Hollis Reel and his wife, Barbara, and Donnie Reel and his wife, Vickey, all of Parsons; and a sister, Debbie Naff and her husband, Donnie, of Erie.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, Edith Mae Reel and Sherry Sue Thomas.

Following cremation, a Celebration of Life service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to The 506 Foundation Inc. for scholarships. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.