Donald Foster Reese

Donald Foster Reese, 79, of Oakwood, Illinois went to be with Jesus on May 30, 2010 at Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Danville. Donald was born June 11, 1930 in Fairmount, Illinois son of William and Ona (Woodard) Reese. He married Bonnie Mae Pate in 1949. She preceded him in death. He later married Dorothy Mabel Larson in 1957. She survives. Also surviving is his current wife of 23 years Shirley Jean Romack. Survivors include three children: Sheryl Kay (Phil) Reese-Edwards of Scottsdale, AZ; Cindy A. (Ferrell) Stroh of Oakwood, IL; and Michael W. (Kelly) Reese of Indianola, IL; three step children: Gary (Fran) Cunningham of Covington, IN, Wanda Cunningham of Norman, OK; and John J. Cunningham of Danville, IL; three sisters: Edith Williamson, Freda Reynolds, and Vivian Smith; six grandchildren: Bonita Faraci, Valori Mejia, Melissa Mann, Jordan Reese, Janelle Reese, and Joseph Reese; two great-grandchildren: Cliff and Brett Faraci; as well as several nieces & nephews and step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Stephen Reese, brother Rev. Lyle B. Reese, and stepdaughter Sheryl Lynn Beanblossom. Donald was a 49 graduate of Catlin High School where he was active in wrestling and football. He had worked as a machine mechanic for Clifford-Jacobs for 25 years until retiring in 1992. Donald was a member of Oakwood First Evangelical Church for a number of years, and also, The Fairmount Conservation Club. He enjoyed fishing, camping, deer watching, reading Louis Lamour books, and watching old black & white westerns; and was know for his great sense of humor. A Celebration of Donalds Life will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at Sunsets Oakwood Chapel with Rev. Bill Ludington officiating. Visitation will be held from 5-8 pm Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Provena Cancer Center and/or Oakwood First Evangelical Church. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com