Edward Michael Rea

Edward Michael Rea: February 27, 1941 — January 5, 2026

KELSO- Edward Michael Rea, 84, passed away at home on the morning of January 5, 2026. He is preceded in death by his father, Edward Barry Rea, and mother, Velma Louise Rea. He is survived by his wife, Esther Kay Rea (Hardeman), daughters Laurel and Koren, grandchildren Connor, Breanna, Rennie, Sophie, Lily, and Alison, and his brother, Lee Rea, and his family. His pets included a small army of squirrels, swarms of finches and hummingbirds, and a family of raccoons.

Mike grew up in East St. Louis, Missouri, and Sheffield, Alabama, where he met the love of his life, Kay, at the ripe age of ten. Seven years later, they went on their first date, and in 1964, they eloped the day before Kay graduated from nursing school. They’ve been inseparable ever since and have enjoyed life to the fullest.

Mike retired in 1999, celebrating an enviable career in retail. From the day he started as a stock boy at Famous Barr to the final day he donned his suit as store manager of JC Penney, Mike worked tirelessly to build his career and support his family. His journey took them to Tennessee, Texas, Colorado, Nevada, and Washington, and by all accounts, he was a great boss. His knowledge of upcoming sales and his 20% discount will be sorely missed.

His hobbies included gardening and woodworking, and he had an eye for home design. He remodeled several of his homes, but the one his daughters will cherish most was their childhood home in Dallas, where Mike built them custom bedrooms from unused attic space. It was there he learned the most important lesson in drywall installation — always mark where the doorway is, or risk sealing yourself inside the room.

Mike was also a lover of pastries and a fantastic chef. The only thing he loved more than donuts was barbecue. Minus the smoked turkey that caught fire one Thanksgiving morning, his cookouts were enjoyed by all. From dinner parties to Memorial Day celebrations, no one left hungry when you ate at Mike’s house. A brisket from the New Braunfels Smokehouse in Texas was his favorite and served every Christmas.

He loved planning vacations almost as much as he loved taking them. His favorites were family road trips in the “hell no” van, relaxing on white sand beaches, exploring the history of Italy, and a first-class trip to Scotland to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors. The only trip left on his bucket list was a Danube River cruise, and we’re planning to take that one for him.

We will miss the little things that were Mike. The candy and Chapstick hidden inside his pocket. His love of Scottie dogs. The kindness and generosity he extended to others. His daily scotch and sodas. The ticking clocks he wound each week, chiming in the background of every memory. But most of all, we will miss his wit and his laughter.