Gerald Reece's Obituary
Decatur- Gerald Oliver Reece, 90, of Decatur, passed away Thursday, February 2, 2012 at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
Visitation will be 10 -11:00 AM Tuesday February 7, 2012 in Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home. Services to celebrate Gerald's life will be 11:00 AM Tuesday and begin with Masonic Service. Private burial will be in Griffith Cemetery in Brownstown.
Gerry was born April 30, 1921, the son of Oliver E. and Edna (Griffith) Reece. He graduated from Brownstown High School and Millikin University in June of 1943 with a degree in business. He proudly served his country in the US Army Air Corps during WWII from February 1943 to October of 1945. He served overseas in Italy, Natal, Brazil, and South America. He was employed at A. E. Staley Company in Decatur for over 30 years as a purchasing agent. He was a member of the Stephen Decatur Lodge #979 and A.F. & A.M. for sixty-one years, Consistory Valley of Springfield, Ansar Shrine member, Tau Kappa Epsilon Beta Chapter, member of Golden Kiwanis since 1983, member of American Legion Post 105 and former director of First National Bank of Brownstown. Gerry was always a willing and glad volunteer for any of his organizations.
He attended First Methodist Church of Brownstown when younger. He later attended Westminster Presbyterian Church in Decatur and then became member of Grace United Methodist Church in Decatur until his death. He served as a deacon and usher in all the churches.
Gerry loved to read and encouraged his children and grandchildren to excel at their respective colleges. He missed reading in his later years due to his sudden blindness but still loved fishing, family, singing and traveling.
Gerald was married to Audrey Helen (Pensinger) Parks and later divorced.
He leaves behind his daughter Karen (Reece) Finchum (Mark) of Chicago; grandchildren, Melinda Donelan (Jeff) of Highland Park, IL, Russell Gerald Flinchum of Chicago, and James William Flinchum of Chicago.
He was preceded in death by his son Robert Gerald Reece (1995) of Memphis, TN. He also leaves behind his granddaughter, Christy Reece Stewart of Memphis, TN and one great-grandchild.
He was married and divorced to Marian Febus. He later married Betty Lou (Jones) Rogers in 1976 until her death in 1986.
He also leaves behind his long-time dear friend and companion Lucie Bollheimer, his Mason friend Willie Snow, and his nieces Dee Buckler of Colorado and Dana Farmer of Bloomington, IL.
Preceded in death were his mother, father and sister Phyllis of Brownstown.
The family would like to thank the wonderful care and attention he received from Dr. Fritz and staff, Imboden Creek Gardens and Living Center and the nurses at Decatur Memorial Hospital.
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice and do a good deed for someone.
The family of Gerald O. Reece is being served by Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2091 N. Oakland Ave. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Gerald?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gerald?
Share a story where Gerald's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gerald you’ll never forget.
How did Gerald make you smile?