Donald Gene Reese, 85, of Denton went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 8, 2017 in Denton, Texas. He was born on May 3, 1932 in White Cloud, KS to Edward and Marie (Meier) Reese. He was very proud of his early education in what he referred to as a "little one-room school in White Cloud, Kansas" where he developed a life-long pride and appreciation for his quality education. He was always interested in studies relating to Old Testament history, world history and psychology. He was a member of St. David of Wales Episcopal Church in Denton where he had served as a member of the vestry and Junior Warden.

Upon graduating from Kansas State University, he was commissioned 2 ^nd Lieutenant, USAF, and received his basic training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Following his discharge from the Air Force he joined General Telephone Electronics (GTE/Verizon) as a Junior Executive. During his almost 30 year career with GTE he held many executive positions throughout Texas, Arkansas and Oklahoma until his retirement in Oklahoma City as GTE's Revenue Requirement Director for the Oklahoma Division.

Following his strong belief in the entrepreneurial spirit, he and his wife Barbara became owners of a small independent travel agency in Oklahoma City. He enjoyed and took great pride in developing and growing that company into a very successful agency. He began his second retirement in 1998 when they sold the agency and moved to Denton, Texas.

After retirement his favorite pastime became cooking with candy making and pie baking his specialties. He was also acknowledged as grill master in the family and enjoyed sharing the results of these skills with family and friends. His peanut brittle, caramel sauce and Christmas white fudge candy gifts were favorites among family and friends.

Donald is survived by his wife of 35 years, Barbara Kellum Reese, two daughters, Stephanie Trigg and husband Mike, Julianna Reynolds and husband Brad of San Antonio, son, Joseph Don Reese of Dallas, grandsons, Nicholas Reese and Elliott Reese of Austin, granddaughter, Melody Petry of San Antonio, and several nieces, nephews and cousins in Kansas.

He is preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Dean Reese and Charles Reese.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 19, 2017 at 11:30 A.M. at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Don's memory be made to St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, 623 Ector Street, Denton, Texas 76201 or a charity of your choice.