Richard Leeman REESE

REESE, Richard Leeman

Richard Leeman Reese, a fourth generation Californian, died April 12th at his Sacramento home, surrounded by family. He was 93 years old.

Mr. Reese was beloved for his affable personality, enthusiasm for good conversation and genuine commitment to family and friends.

Born on June 18th, 1919, in Sacramento, Mr. Reese's large extended family was part of the westward expansion of pioneers that crossed from Virginia and Kentucky in 1852. The family of Ethel Reese Didion settled in the Florin area South of Sacramento and eventually ranched 640 acres, raising grain and stock, building homes and rearing children. Mr. Reese's great-grandfather was William H. Kilgore, whose diary provides a compelling account of the arduous journey west. His first cousin was Frank Reese Didion, father of author Joan Didion, who recounted some of the early family history in her book, 'Where I Was From.'

Mr. Reese was a student at Sacramento High School, where he was a 'yell leader,' member of the Gamma Eta Kappa and 36 Club fraternities. He was also a member of the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps before serving two years in the Citizens Military Training Corps at the Presidio in Monterey. He later graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, New Mexico, before attending the University of Oregon where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity and, significantly, met his future wife, Jeanne Merritt Younger of Woodland. They were married in 1942 in Woodland and moved to Sacramento, where they raised four children.

As a member of the U.S. Army Reserve Corps, his unit was called shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor and he was assigned to the 115th Cavalry Regiment. An accomplished horseman, Lieutenant Reese appears in photographs wearing jodhpurs and puttees, mounted on his horse, 'Masquerade.' During World War II, he was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington, Fort Riley, Kansas, and San Diego, before going overseas, where Captain Reese served with the famed 8th Armored Division of the U.S. Army near Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, and Biarritz, France. Following the war, he sailed home on the celebrated Queen Mary, which was used to transport troops during the war.

In the post-war years Mr. Reese (known as 'Dick' to friends) joined his father, John Kilgore Reese, and brother, John ('Jack'), in the Reese Insurance Agency, established in 1912 and located in the California State Life Building on J Street. After the war, Mr. Reese became active in the Sacramento community, raising a family, and serving as Major in the California National Guard. He was also a member of the University Club of Sacramento, Sigma Chi Alumni, Rotary, and served on the board of directors of the Salvation Army and the Children's Home Society. A life-long member of the Republican Party, Mr. Reese volunteered with the Sacramento Blood Bank and 'Three R's', a program which offers recreation for seniors and respite for their caregivers. Year after year, an American flag was continuously flown above his East Sacramento home. He was a member of SIRS (Sons in Retirement) and Trinity Episcopal Church, which he attended faithfully for much of his later life.

Known for his acerbic wit (he was fond of telling 'snappy jokes'), cordiality, and gentlemanly manner, Mr. Reese was devoted to family, neighbors, friends and his community. Though frustrated by declining health in later years, it was Mr. Reese's extravagance of spirit that would persist throughout his life, making his parties and holiday events popular occasions. His daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters eagerly awaited invitations to the annual Father/Daughter Christmas luncheon hosted by the Sacramento Rotary in celebration of the season. An avid bridge player, Mr. Reese also painted, skied, loved to travel, and played tennis and golf, one year winning the Valley Hi Country Club championship. He was a devoted husband who tirelessly cared for his wife, Jeanne, until her death in 1996. Mr. Reese was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanne Younger Reese, his parents John Kilgore Reese and Gertrude Leeman Reese, and his brother, Jack Reese.

He is survived by his children: Barbara Anne Reese (Roger Monty), Richard L. Reese Jr. (Sue), Kathleen Powers (Dennis), and Robert Reese (Anita); his daughters-in-law: Joeann Edmonds and Shirley Reese; his grandchildren: John Reese (Andrea), Richard L. Reese III (Dolly), Deanna Fernandes (Jose), Christina Reese, Chris Powers (Diana), Elizabeth Powers, and Pilar Jeanne Reese; and his great-grandchildren: Sarah Voiles Hawkins (Dean), Leila Fernandes, Stella Fernandes, and Payton Powers. Mr. Reese was also close to his many nieces, cousins, and members of the Rooney, Didion, and Kilgore families. His family is most grateful to his wonderful caregiver Jon McGoon, as well as caregivers, Meg Vave and Ula Vave.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, April 26th at Trinity Cathedral, 2620 Capitol Ave., Sacramento. Donations may be made to Trinity Cathedral, to the Salvation Army (3755 N. Freeway Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95824) or to a favorite charity. All are encouraged to share photos and anecdotes at the reception.