DOUGLAS GENE REECE
DOUGLAS GENE REECE
Douglas Gene Reece, 71, of Kahoka, passed away at 9:06 am on Friday, June 25, 2021, at his home with his loving wife Barbara at his side.
Doug was born on May 23rd, 1950 in Keokuk , Iowa to William Gene and Virginia Faye Reece. On August 4th, 1977, Doug married Barbara LaNoue in Farmington, New Mexico.
Together they had three daughters: Kristie, Virginia “Ginny”, and Nichol.
Doug and Barbara also welcomed Jessica Martinez into their lives, and Doug loved her as one of his own girls.
Doug served his country honorably during the conflict in Vietnam but unfortunately, he sustained health issues there that would plague him throughout his life.
After his discharge, Doug did various jobs here and there, but his primary profession was as the owner and operator of his Peterbilt truck.
A lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, Doug had his own mancave of memorabilia he loved to collect.
He also enjoyed golfing, fishing and adored all the time spent with his grandkids.
AA was an especially important touchstone in Doug’s life, and he proudly celebrated his 22nd “birthday” on January 11th of this year after committing fully to the program back in 1999.
Doug liked listening to rebel rock and roll and outlaw country music and raised blue heeler dogs, while he didn’t have any favorites…. Tum Tum, Little Girl, Johnny Cash and June Carter would have been the four closest to his heart.
Doug was preceded in death by his parents, brothers “Billy” Reece, Kirk Reece, and David Hornug; as well as brother-in-law, Daniel Brantner.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Barbara Reece; daughters, Kristie Reece of Golden, Colorado, “Ginny” Reece (Brandon James) of Kahoka, Nichol Snyder (Joseph Pirtz IV) of Lakewood, Colorado, and Jessica Martinez of Quincy, Illinois.; grandchildren Brayden Farmer, Bryson Tate, and Gabriel Reece, Haven Reece and Phoenix Kruse, Moriah and Lilly Snyder, Dominic Turpin and Olivia Martinez, and a great grandson Christopher Reece; Brother Michael Owen Rebo of Sturgeon, Missouri; and sisters Dixie (Clinton) Kirchner of Kahoka, and Michele Brantner, Brother-in-law’s Steve (Tedi) LaNoue and Mike (Lindi) LaNoue, as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A Celebration of Doug’s life took place on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home.
A visitation was held from 1pm to 3pm with services starting at 3:00pm.
The family requested for guests to dress casual and to wear their favorite St. Louis Cardinals apparel.
Memorial tributes to Doug’s family were gratefully accepted.
You are invited to share your memories of Doug and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com.
Acknowledgement of Military Service
The members of the United States Army, the American legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars hereby acknowledge that Comrade Douglas Gene Reece served our country for two years, eight months, and twenty-nine days in the United States Army.
He served as a Telephone Switchboard Operator (72C) with the Headquarters, 4th Battalion, 30th Infantry.
He served in the Republic of Vietnam for one year (24 September 1969 to 23 September 1970) during The Vietnam War.
He attained the rank of Private (E-2).
He was awarded and authorized to wear the following directions:
National Defense Service Medal
Vietnam Service Medal
Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device
Expert Marksmanship Badge
Overseas Service Bar
He enlisted 12 February 1969, received an honorable discharge 22 December 1971 and returned to Alexandria, Clark County, Missouri.
He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Ayer-Boatman Post 4342, Kahoka, Missouri.
The caissons have been muffled and the flag lowered for our comrade, who joined the staff of the supreme commander 25 June 2021. At his final post we wish him fair skies and smooth pathways.
