Born on a farm near Topaz Marlin Reese, son of Anna (Wood) and Simeon Everett Reese, was born on May 19, 1930, on a farm near Topaz, Mo. He departed this life, at the age of 76, on Friday, May 26, 2006, a few feet from where he was born.
Marlin attended the Coble School and later Cabool Schools. Marlin married Virginia Lee Welton on Feb. 14, 1948, and they began their 58 years of love and devotion to each other. They raised six children together.
As a young man, Marlin farmed and worked for the Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service in Ava. He often worked at night helping neighbors to repair farm equipment and do other farming tasks. He was always willing to help a neighbor in need. Marlin started the Reese Lumber Company in 1965. His company sawed lumber and made pallets. He also owned a trucking business as part of the pallet company. He sold the pallet company in the fall of 1984 and retired to farm, which he continued until his death.
Marlin left a legacy for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He taught devotion to family, respect, and the value of a job well done. His children learned from his example to enjoy the simple pleasures of life and the natural gifts of the Earth. He was a devoted member of the Fieldstone Church of Christ.
Marlin is survived by his wife, Virginia Lee of the home; one sister, Lois Ilene Janvier and husband Charles; his sons, Marlin Keith Reese and wife, Paulette, Ronald Max Reese and wife, Eloise and Dwight Reese and wife, Valerie; his daughter, Susan Annette Mason and husband, Tom; 16 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one niece, two nephews and many relatives and friends.
He was welcomed to heaven by sons, Teddy Lane and Danny Lee Reese; his parents, Anna and Simeon Everett Reese; his brother, Floyd Arthur Reese and his sister Ina Mae Reese.
Services were at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 30, at the Fieldstone Church of Christ with Evangelist Ron Alexander and Ron Wood officiating. Burial was in the Penner Cemetery under the direction of Elliott-Gentry-Carder Funeral Home of Cabool.
