William Ivan Reese, 88, of Novinger, Missouri, passed away on August 24, 2021 at Valley View Nursing Home in Moberly, MO.
Born March 1, 1933 in Novinger, MO, Bill was the son of the late Archie Ivan and Catherine Louise (Novinger) Reese. On May 22, 1955, Bill was united in marriage to Linda Lou Parsons, who survives. Bill was preceded in death by two sisters, Neva (Reese) King, and Treva (Reese) Tucker; sons-in-law, Terry Minnix, Dave Danielson, Fred Fleshman, and great-granddaughter Rylee Grace Minnix, and one niece Toni Tucker.
Bill is survived by five daughters and two sons: Teresa (Mark) Grgurich of Novinger, MO, William Greg (Ursula) Reese of Germany, Cindy (Gary) Dalms of Hallsville, MO, Melinda (Pat) Dimmitt of Novinger, MO, Chris (Jeff) Mikel of Kirksville, MO, Wade (Debbie) Reese of Kirksville, MO, and Cena Danielson of Corning, IA. Bill is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as one niece and two nephews.
Bill graduated from Novinger High School in 1952. He entered the U.S. Navy after graduation, serving two years on the USS Gilbert Island air craft carrier and two years stationed in Cuba. When Bill returned after an honorable discharge, a farming partnership with his dad, Archie and brother-in-law Darwin. was formed, raising cattle and row crops. Later Bill traded in John Deere tractors for Caterpillar heavy equipment. He worked for several local contractors operating bulldozers until his retirement in 2000.
Bill enjoyed fishing and tinkering with boats and motors. He also enjoyed his morning coffee club, “P&M Club” that met daily at the Novinger Fire Station.
Bill was a lifetime member of VFW Post #2508 and a member of the Moose Lodge in Kirksville.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, September 2, 2021 at the Missouri State Veteran’s Cemetery in Jacksonville, MO, with Pastor Alan Coonfield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association or to VFW Post #2508 of Kirksville, and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, MO.