Gilbert Franklin Reese of Warrenton, passed away on Sunday, February 1. He was born on October 19, 1926, in Warrenton, to the late Frank and Cora Reese (nee: Meine).
Gilbert was united in marriage to Dorene Wiedoewer and they spent many wonderful years together before her passing in 1995. To this union, 5 children were born, Rodney, Mardiann, Steve, Kerilyn, and Mark. Several years later on June 20, 2001, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, Gilbert married Verneal Meyer and they shared many years together before her passing in 2022.
In 1945 Gilbert joined the United States Coast Guard as a Merchant Marine and proudly served his country. Gilbert was known in his community where he was involved in many things. He was a member of the International Association of Machinists and worked at Binkley Manufacturing in Warrenton for many years. From 1966-1977, he assisted many people while being the proprietor of Reese Texaco and was a rural letter carrier on many local routes and was a member of the Rural Letter Carriers Association, he retired from the United States Postal Service after 20 years. After his retirement, he continued to serve the community by delivering Meals on Wheels, picking up donations for Agape, and was an Election judge for Ward 2 for many years. Gilbert also served on the committee at Villas Apartments and was a past board member of Friedens Church of Christ.
Those who will remain grateful for having shared in Gilbert's life are his loving children, Mardiann Bierbaum, Steve (Kim) Reese, Kerilyn (Bret) Nusbaum, and Mark (Virginia) Reese; his 12 cherished grandchildren, Danielle Ploch, Frank Dieckman, Neal Dieckman, Chad Reese, Craig Reese, Kristin Reese, Bethany Reeb, Ashley Flinn, Brook Sargent, Alexanne Sturgeon, Joe Nusbaum, and Stephanie Schreiner; and his 25 dear great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by one son, Rodney Reese; his daughter-in-law, Wanda Reese; his siblings, Marvin Reese, Arlene Windmann; sister-in-law, Wilma Reese, brother-in-law,Victor Windman, and one nephew, Eldon Reese.
He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin, and friend of many.
A visitation for Gilbert will be held from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Friday, February 6, with a 12 p.m. Service to immediately follow at Martin Funeral Home, in Warrenton. Burial will take place in the Holstein Cemetery. Memorial donations are appreciated to Friedens UCC, Holstein Cemetery, or Three Oaks Hospice in honor of Gilbert.
