Eldridge Carson Reece

Eldridge Carson Reece died peacefully on Thursday, May 14 with his family at his side. He battled a heart condition for the last several years. Eldridge (Gene) was the third born of eleven children to Stella and Carson Reece in Lafayatte, IN on May 30, 1931. We was raised in Lafayette and graduated from Jefferson High School. He promptly joined the U.S. army after graduation. Gene made his career with the military serving for 22 years and eventually becoming a Staff Sergeant. He enjoyed developing young recruits into great soldieirs. He served in two wars, Korea and Vietnam. Staff Sergeant Reece demonstrated exemplary performance of his military duties and was awarded the highest commendations for his bravery and dedication. His military accomplishments were many. After WWII while rebuilding Germany as a leader in the Army Corp of Engineers, he met his wife of 50 years, Irmtraud (Turdy) Reece. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on December 31, 2008. Gene and Trudy had four children together, Connie, Michael of Lancaster, CA (wife; Georgia), Kenny of san Pedro, CA and Marian Van Poppel of Evergreen, CO (husband; Kevin). After his retirement from the Army in 1968, Gene moved his family back to his childhood home of Lafayette, IN. Gene worked at the Brown Rubber Company and Greyhound in Lafayette prior to retireing from the public sector. He was a devoted grandfather to his 2 grand children, Grace and Alex Van Poppel of Evergreen, CO. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 11, where he spent time with his many friends. he enjoyed dancing, woodworking, bowling, reading and traveling. Gene (Bud) was a devoted husband, wonderful father and grandfather, a kind and generous person to all he know. He was loved and will be dearly missed. He is survived by his sisters; Ruth Crosier, Janet Corman, Daisy Maxwell, Joyce Arnold, Diane Davies (husband; Max, and his brother Ron Reece. Visitation 5-8 p.m. Monday, service 10 a.m. Tuesday at Hippensteel Chapel. Pastor James Chase officiating. Interment Tippecanoe Memory Gardens. Memorials to American Legion Post 11. Hippensteel Funeral Service entrusted with care. Share on line memories and condolences at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com