David Reese

1943 - 2025

With love and gratitude for his remarkable life, we share that David Ross (Likins) Reese, 82, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, November 14, surrounded by his family.

He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife of 33 years, the Rev. Ellen Peach; his son, Dr. Jeremy Reese (Tamara); and his four grandchildren-Owen, Gillen, Campbell, and Colton-who knew him as their cherished "Papa." He is lovinglyremembered by his brother Charles; his sisters, Jeannine and Eugenie; and his sister-in-law, Sue, and brother-in-law, Charlie Senn. David joins in peace his parents and brothers, Steven and Andrew, who preceded him in death.

David's greatest joy came from life shared with Ellen-traveling, supporting ministries, savoring chocolate desserts, and sporting Tommy Bahama shirts. Above all, David was known for his kindness.He will be remembered for his warmth, curiosity, and quiet strength that enriched the lives of his family, friends, and all he served. We are deeply grateful to all who shared laughter, caring, jokes, golf, porch-sitting, ministry, worship, prayers, potlucks, and countless good times with David-working together for all that is healthy and just, a journey of BIG love and the occasional cigar.

Born in August 1943 to William Ross Likins and Frances "Nita" Canady, David spent his childhood in Springfield, MO, later moving across the U.S. as an Air Force BRAT. He graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute before attending UC Santa Barbara and UC Berkeley, where he earned a Master's Degree in Public Health. While at Berkeley he met and married Caren Ann Gordon (m. 1969–1984; d. 1997). Together they had one son, Jeremy Nathan Reese.

David's commitment to public health spanned more than 50 years. He directed health departments in Idaho and Kansas and served at Terry Reilly Health Center in Nampa, ID, where he led Special Health Services and SANE (Sexual Abuse Now Ended), the first program of its type statewide. It was also in Nampa that he met Ellen. Later, as Executive Director of Columbia Valley Community Health Center in Wenatchee, WA, he married Ellen and began a shared journey of faith and service, supporting her ministry in Kansas churches.

In 2000, they moved to Hazard, KY, where David supported Ellen's ministry at First Presbyterian Church and provided leadership in rural health programs and research initiatives, including bioterrorism prevention and TLC (Terminate Lung Cancer). He taught at the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. David retired with Ellen to Athens, TN, in 2017.

Throughout his life, David found fulfillment through faith, mentoring youth, and inspiring future leaders. He was proud of his son and daughter-in-law's careers in public health and delighted in his grandchildren. A lifelong researcher, he enjoyed genealogy and honored his stepfather, Daniel "Dan" Reese, a WWII glider pilot. In his later years, David found joy in flying glider planes.

73,73 KJNR Clear.

The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday, December 6 at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church in Athens, TN. A Service of Death and Resurrection will follow at noon.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Nourish One Child Ministry, Keith Memorial UMC, Athens, TN.

Volunteers Housing Ministry, First Presbyterian Church, Hazard, KY.

Terry Reilly Health Foundation, Nampa, ID.