Obituary for C.W. Reese

Ponca City Now - May 1, 2018 2:34 pm

C. W. Reese

April 6, 1921 – April 28, 2018

C.W. Reese, previously of Blackwell, Oklahoma, died early Saturday morning, April 28th, 2018 at St. Johns hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the age of 97.

C.W. was born April 6th, 1921 at his parents home north of Nardin, Oklahoma to Charles and Hanna (Koelling) Reese. He grew up in Blackwell graduating from Blackwell High School in 1939.

He married Virginia A. Bechtel on July 31st 1942 while he was employed at the Stearman Boeing aircraft plant in Wichita, Kansas. C.W. was drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II and served as a B29 aircraft engine mechanic on Guam island until the end of the war. Following the war the couple returned to the Nardin area where he was engaged in farming until 1971.

In 1957 the couple moved to Blackwell and resided there until 1971 at which time they moved to the Grand Lake area. During this period C.W. was appointed as Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Oklahoma where he served for approximately eight years. He was also bestowed the honor of 33rd Degree mason. The many affiliated Masonic orders in which he participated are to numerous to mention.

C.W. was very involved in the Methodist church throughout his active life.

Besides farming, C.W. was also an accomplished woodworker, painter and carpenter.

Survivors include his daughter Becky Barnes and husband Jim of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and son, Richard Reese and wife Bonnie of Nardin, Oklahoma; four grandchildren, Derra Meyer, Ginger Gasper, Matthew Reese and Jennifer Brock: eight great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, two sisters Edith and Evelyn and a great-grandson, Connor Matthew.

A graveside service for family and friends is scheduled for 11:00am, Friday, May 4th at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Nardin, Oklahoma.

Serving as an honorary Jim Barnes.

A memorial has been established in his honor with the Masonic Lodge in Adair, Oklahoma, in c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.