02/16/2026
Our dad, Gene Elden Rease, passed away on February 15th ,2026 at Coleman Fields Assisted Care after a brief bout with cancer. He was born December 21, 1939, the youngest son of Walter and Eva (Wheeler) Rease. Dad grew up in Delwin, and lived in Coleman for the remainder of his life. He married Mary Ann Allison August 22, 1959 and celebrated 62 years together until her passing on November 3, 2021. Dad served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He retired from Operating Engineers Local 324 after 20 years. Dad’s career began while he was a laborer. He was digging in a ditch and the boss asked if anyone could operate a hoe. He raised his hand and said "me!" even though he had never done so in his life. He was a Heavy Equipment Operator from that day until his retirement. Dad once won a "hoe down" for digging the biggest hole the fastest (he still had all his fingers then!) He loved to hunt and fish. It was a very sad day when he had to sell his boat. Later years, he mostly puttered around his garage and listened to blue grass on Sirius radio. Dad asks when you think of him, play a blue grass song especially on Sunday mornings.
Survivors include his children: Bret Rease, Lori (Scott)Reynolds, Mark Rease and John Rease, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Also, his sister Sue (Laverne)Clarke of Clio and sister-in-law Edna Rease of Birmingham, Alabama.
Our parents moved onto the corner lot in Coleman over 60 years ago. However, 13 years ago, an angel moved in across the street. Jennifer Boyer was a good friend and then when our parents started needing assistance, she was there to provide it. First, she took excellent care of Mom. Then when Mom passed away, she started helping Dad, allowing him to continue to live at home where he would be happiest. Dad called her his "best friend". Everyone should wish to have a friend as wonderful as Jen. We will never be able to repay her for her loving care all these years.
We would also like to thank Norm and Kim Cook and Guy and Lisa Saylor. They also helped above and beyond, allowing Dad to keep up his home to his standard! Dad could be a task master but whenever he needed help with anything, they would do everything they could to make his life a little easier.
Per Dad's wishes, cremation has taken place. He told Jennifer "Can't wait to go fishing with my buddy, Gary (Saylor)".
