Vern A. Reese

1930 - 2004

Vern A. Reese passed away Saturday, Oct. 30, 2004.

Memorial service: was held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 7336 Beaty, with 266 friends and relatives in attendance.

Born Aug. 27, 1930, in Pharaoh, Okla., and raised in Commerce, Okla., Vern A. Reese attended school with Mickey Mantle. He worked in Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Colorado, finally settling in Fort Worth, working in the commercial painting and electrical fields. He retired as facilities maintenance field inspector for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit. Upon retiring, he commenced in the full-time ministry, following the fine example set for him by his parents. That work was the highlight of his final years as he helped many to come to a better understanding of God's Word and realizing a genuine hope for the future.

He served faithfully as an active member of Jehovah's Witnesses for over 65 years, having been baptized July 15, 1939. He most recently served as an elder in the Parkdale congregation. He had served in the prison ministry for 13 years with great success.

Survivors: His wife of 53 years, Rowena; children, Deborah and Hugo Mesa, Diana Thompson, Janice and Larry Garens, Andrew and Robin Reese and Mark and Donna Reese; brother, Bill Reese; sisters, Ann and Jerry Coplen, Sue Stufflebeam and Ruth Reese; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of friends.