Robert Reed Wearly

Robert Reed Wearly, age 75, passed away unexpectedly on January 25, 2026, at National Church Residences of Chillicothe. He was born on May 4, 1950, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Robert and Hilda Cory Wearly. The family relocated to Middletown, Ohio, where he remained a lifelong resident.

Reed graduated from Middletown High school in 1968. After high school he attended Ashland University in Ashland Ohio. Sports were a lifelong passion for Reed. He began playing baseball at the age of eight through the Knothole Baseball program and continued each year, concluding with two years of American Legion Baseball. He was a varsity baseball and basketball player for Middletown High School, proudly representing the Middies. As an adult, he remained active in sports, playing in the city basketball league at the former Manchester Middle School, adult softball leagues in Dayton and at Goldman and Jefferson Parks in Middletown. Reed was also an avid bowler for many years at Sports Bowl and Eastern Lanes. A dedicated golfer throughout his life, he achieved a memorable hole-in-one on the fourth hole at Forest Hills Country Club in 1989.

Reed dedicated 31 years of service to The Kroger Company, working as a Dairy Manager in the Dayton Division. Following his retirement, he continued his association with Kroger for an additional four years, working part-time as a representative for the Dayton-area Kroger Dairy stores.

Reed was predeceased in death by his parents and his sister, Janice Wearly Evans of Romeo, Michigan. He is survived by his special cousin, Jenny J. Proehl of Chillicothe; his brother-in-law, Mark Evans of Romeo, Michigan; several nieces, nephews, cousins; and lifelong friends, Ken and Debbie Sparks.

In accordance with Reed's wishes, he will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at Ebright Funeral Home in Frankfort, Ohio at the convenience of his family. Cremation burial will take place at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio, where he will be laid to rest alongside his parents and members of the Wearly family. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your charity of choice in Reed's name.

Reed often said "I value every friend I ever had and hope they all live good lives."