Alton Berdine Reed, Jr was ushered into the presence of God April 3, 2025, at the age of 86 from his home in Brush where he received care from his wife and daughter-in-law, Brandy, with the support of Hospice of the Plains. He had suffered with diabetes in the last few years which developed into various physical conditions. He was confined to the hospital for the last three months and many tests were taken. He suffered without complaint, knowing that he was in God’s hand. The family has a strong Christian faith, and Alton placed his belief in Christ at an early age.
Alton was born in his grandmother’s house in Denver on November 29, 1938, to Alton Berdine and Frances Louise (Leach) Reed, Sr. During the early years of his life, the family lived in the Denver area where he started his education. He completed his education between the Yuma and Akron Schools. He met his wife, Nancy McKie, at the church in Akron and they were married there. They were married 66 years and were blessed with two children, Christina Louise, and Alton Berdine, III.
Alton excelled in sports in high school, especially wrestling and track. He was also a member of the high school chorus to which he blended his beautiful tenor voice. Akron High School had started a wrestling team the year Alton came back to Akron. The coach had not wrestled, so he relied on Alton to demonstrate and teach the wrestling technique to the rest of the team.
Early in their marriage, they moved to the Denver area where Alton was able to attend bible school while he was working. He attended Silver State Bible Institute and Baptist Bible College.
In December 1968, Alton, Nancy and Christina moved to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. There, he and Nancy attended Spanish Language School and Christina attended elementary school that was provided for children of the students.
This language training made it possible for him to speak directly to the people to whom he ministered in the area of Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico. In 1971, Alton Berdine III joined the family.
When he came back from Mexico, he began working at American Beef as a temporary job. He would stay with that job through all the name changes. He also worked at Circle G in Denver and Sterling Beef Company.
Alton was preceded in death by his parents, Alton and Frances; sister and brother-in-law Etta and Bob Rinehart; sister and brother-in-law Jane and Roy Holton; sister Dona Glover; and brother Jesse.
Alton is remembered with love by his wife Nancy; daughter Christina; son Bernie and wife Brandy; sister and brother-in-law Sharon and Larry Fehrn; brother-in-law Jon Glover; and sister-in-law Shirley Reed. He is also survived by grandchildren: Emalee (Mike) Sackett, Sarah Beth Reed, Becky Reed, Aly (Matt) Elliott, Alton B. IV; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.