Donald Reese Obituary

Donald Robert Reese - 4/16/27 to 6/7/18. On Thursday, June 7, 2018, Don Reese passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was the beloved husband of Patricia for 71 years. He was the much-loved father of Don Reese, Jr., Sharon Spalding, Rebecca Friday and Debbie Brix. He had 11 grand- children, 29 great-grand- children, and 8 great-great- grandchildren. Don was born at home on a farm in Maynard, Iowa on April 16, 1927. He was the second of 8 children born to Marion and Lucille Reese. At 17 years old, Don needed his parent's signature to join the U.S. Navy immediately after graduating from high school in 1944. In California, Don started as a machinist with North American Aviation at the founding of their propulsion division. He finished his aerospace career in management at Rocketdyne, as a director of their experimental thrust chambers division. His final project was with NASA's production of the Space Shuttle Columbia. His family will always cherish their many memories of Don as a completely humble, kind, good and loving father and husband who always put the needs of others before his own. Don was very active in the Elks Lodge, and spent years helping them raise money with their bingo program and served as an Exalted Ruler at the Kern River Valley and also Five Cities Elks Lodge. More important, Don believed in the true Exalted Ruler, the Lord Jesus Christ and he believed that he would live forever in Heaven because of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. Heaven has welcomed him and the greatest adventure of his life has just begun! A memorial for Don will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, June 16th, at the Five Cities Elks Lodge and everyone is welcome.

Published by San Luis Obispo County Tribune on Jun. 13, 2018.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Reese

Not sure what to say?





4 Entries

Don was such a nice and sincere guy. Every time I visit the Elks Lodge in Oceano CA, I look towards the table where Don would always sit. I can visualize him sitting there with his great smile. Don will be remembered and missed forever.

Cal Washispack

Friend

June 7, 2019

Miss you and love broher. sorry we can't be there.
Bill & Barb Schriever

June 14, 2018

We love you & miss you so much Grandpa!

Kellie Vegting

June 13, 2018

It is the Sailor
In Memorial Honor of Donald Don R Reese

It's the Sailor,
not the pastor/preacher, who has given us freedom of religion and worship.

It's the Sailor,
not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It's the Sailor,
not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It's the Sailor,
not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble and demonstrate.

It's the Sailor,
not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It's the Sailor,
not the politician, who has given us the right to vote, ensures our right to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
It's the Sailor, Who salutes the Flag, who serves beneath the Flag and whose coffin is draped by the Flag, who gives the protester the right to burn the flag.

ETERNAL REST GRANT HIM O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.

COL (Ret) Cal & Jan Washispack

June 13, 2018

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Make a Donation
in Donald Reese's name

Memorial Events
for Donald Reese

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Donald's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Donald Reese's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more