Submitted by: Dan Rich

Earl H. Reese

May 4, 1922 - Aug. 10, 2002

South Bend Tribune 8/14/2002

Earl H. Reese, 80, adored husband, father, grandfather and great- grandfather, went home to be with the Lord at 10:36 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 10, in his home where he had lived since his birth. Earl was born in Mishawaka, Ind., on May 4, 1922, to proud parents, Frank H. Reese and Lillian D. (Swanger) Reese. Earl was a lifelong Mishawaka resident ever since.

On Dec. 10, 1944, in Mishawaka, Earl was married to the love of his life, Catherine E. Tavernier, and celebrated almost 58 magical years together. He is survived by two sons, David E. Reese of Cedarburg, Wis., with his wife, Marcia (Bruch), and John M. Reese of Granger, Ind. Earl will also be missed by three grandchildren, John M. Reese II of West Chester, Ohio, with wife, Tina, Stacey L. (Reese) Long of Mishawaka, with her husband, Chris, and Vanessa C. Reese of Carmel, Ind. Earl also has a doting great-granddaughter, Sidney E. Long. Earl is also survived by his older brother, Paul J. Reese of Mishawaka, and his wife, Virginia.

Earl was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Force in World War II. He served in the 9th Troop Carrier Command as a radio operator where his planes carried paratroopers and pulled gliders. After his honorable discharge, Earl resumed his employment at Uniroyal Plastics Corporation as an accountant where he retired after 46 loyal years with the company. In addition to his job, Earl was also a member of the Uniroyal Management Club where he served as its treasurer for 17 years.

In the community, Earl was a long-contributing member of the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka, as well as a member of the Mishawaka Lodge #130 F&AM and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of South Bend, Ind. Earl's passion for politics called him to be an active member of the Republican party where he served as a precinct committeeman for 35 years. Earl was loved and respected by many friends all over Mishawaka for his generosity and contributions to his town, and he will be deeply missed by his family who considered him to be a caring man and a stable foundation by all who loved him.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. today in the First United Methodist Church of Mishawaka. Burial will be at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church, 201 E. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544.