Joe D. Reese, age 90, passed away Tuesday afternoon, June 7, 2022 at Indiana Masonic Home Compass Park in Franklin. He was a resident of Franklin and a former resident of Brown County.
Joe was born Dec. 9, 1931 in Indianapolis, to his parents, the late Orves and Dolores C. (Burgin) Reese. He was a 1951 graduate of Tunnelton High School in West Virginia and went on to proudly serve as a Green Beret and a Sergeant First Class with the Company A 4th Battalion of the United States Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. His duties consisted of Special Forces Operations & Intelligence and Infantry Indirect Fire Crewman. Joe was a decorated soldier receiving two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and many other recognitions during his faithful service to his country.
After serving his country, Joe married Rosina M. (Jelase) Reese on May 31, 1969 in Indianapolis. She preceded him in death on Oct. 9, 2021 after 52 loving years of marriage.
In 1974, Joe received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Indiana University and finally retired in 1988 from Allison Division of General Motors where he worked as a Machine Operator.
Joe was a 50-year member and past Master of the Masonic Lodge #135 in Nashville. He was also a member of the Indianapolis Scottish Rite and was a past Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department member.
Joe is survived by his siblings, Maudie Ann Smith and William Riley Reese, both of Tacoma, Washington; and several nieces.
A graveside service will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at East Hill Cemetery in Morgantown. Military rites will be presented by the United States Army and the Brown County Honor Guards. A visitation will be held from 3 p.m. until graveside service on Friday at Meredith – Clark Funeral Home Cremation & Personalization Center, 179 E. Mulberry Street in Morgantown.
Memorial contributions may be sent in honor of Joe to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516.
Expressions of caring and kindness may be sent to the Reese family at www.meredith-clark.com.
