Jack Reece
May 3, 1930 - July 11, 2023
Jack D. Reece, 93 of Brazil passed away July 11, 2023, at Union Hospital following complications from a heart attack he suffered at his home while caring for his lawn. He always wanted to be independent and that he was.
Jack was born May 3, 1930, in Cory, Indiana, one of two boys of Ervie and Clara Moseman Reece. He excelled at athletics while in high school at Cory. He played Basketball, baseball, and ran track including field events. He had an opportunity to attend Indiana State University, and he hitchhiked to get there. He also played basketball at ISU and was on the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball Championship team in 1949.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, 1953, Jack was united in marriage to “his Bride”, Barbara Murphy Reece. They were married for 52 years, providing a solid foundation for their family.
Jack had to leave college to serve in the U.S. Army and did so proudly. He was a member of the American Legion Post #2 in Brazil. He also held memberships in the Brazil Elks Lodge and the Masonic Lodge in Riley and the Scottish Rite Valley of Terre Haute.
The work career of Jack began after his military service, with DX Oil in 1954-1961. He then served as a Marathon Market Representative until 1974. In 1979 Reece Oil was founded. The company expanded over the years to include Reece’s Pump and Pantry in Riley and Reece’s Pointe in Cloverland. Jack was a self-made man and a quality businessman. He took pride in his work and his part in the community.
Jack enjoyed golfing and traveling with friends and family. Including trips to Cancun and from coast to coast. He knew his priorities and tried not to miss special events with grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren. He cherished the title of Granddad.
He is survived by his children, Monte Dale Reece and wife Sandy, and Catherine Ann Kiefer and husband Frank all of Brazil; grandchildren, Jessica Reece (John Gilchrist), Jarrod Reece (Megan), Jacob Reece (Renee), Jacklyn Kiefer, and Steffyn Kiefer (Rachel); great-grandchildren, Lainey, Madelynn, Tristan, Preston, Kennedy and Kendall; sister in law, Dolores Beaman; and special friend, Betty French.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother Don Reece and his wife, Barbara Murphy Reece, December 19, 2005.
Services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, at 1:00pm at French Funeral Home, 412 E. National Ave. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, with graveside military rites provided by American Legion Post #2 and VFW#1127. Visitation will be Saturday from 11-1:00. If friends so desire, donations may be directed to the American Legion Post #2. Post a note of condolence at www.frenchfuneralhome.com
