Truman Wayne Reese

Friday, April 11, 2025, Truman Wayne Reese went home to be with Jesus at the age of 93. Born on November 12, 1931, in Ranger, Texas, to Henry Truman Reese and Velma Oleta Calvert Reese.

Truman was blessed with a long and fulfilling life, including 76 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Barbara Lee Curtis Reese, whom he adoringly called Bobbie-Dink. Truman's devotion to his family and his faith was evident in every aspect of his life. Known to his family as Truman, Daddy, Uncle T, Grandy, and T-Dub, family came first for Truman, with Sunday lunches together, holiday celebrations, including the customary "cookie day" before Christmas, and a huge Christmas Eve celebration. Truman and Barbara ‘s favorite past time was traveling with his sister-in-law and her husband as they visited all 50 states. They chose Hawaii for their 50th anniversary celebration. His church family at First United Methodist in Arlington was a cornerstone of his life. Truman shared devotions one Sunday a month, always seeking unique stories to inspire his fellow Sunday School members. These stories were special to him, and he often shared them with his family, making his loved ones feel cherished.

Truman joined the army in 1949 and served in the reserves until 1956 when he was honorably discharged. Truman’s career began in 1949 at Convair, which became General Dynamics, and retired in 1993, two weeks after Lockheed took over. His dedication to education was evident as he attended TCU at night, balancing his full-time job at General Dynamics, refereeing high school and college football for 31 years all while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics. He was a Horned Frog through and through. Truman's ingenuity shone through when he and a group of men built a small plane, flew it, and sold it for a significant profit.

Truman is now free from pain and sitting with Jesus, sharing his devotions. To know Truman was to be blessed and loved, and his family feels even more blessed to have had him as the Patriarch of the family. If there is any refereeing that needs to be done in Heaven, our Daddy has it under control.

Predeceased by his parents, his sister, Janis Marinell Wilmoth, his granddaughter Jennifer Gail Reese, and his son-in-law, Tony Sledge.

Truman is survived by his wife, Barbara Lee Curtis Reese; his children, Gary W. Reese (wife Michelle), Brenda Sledge, and LeeAnn Norton (husband Scott); his seven grandchildren, Carrie Reese (husband Nathan), Ryan Norton (wife Amber), Lori Nitschke (husband Chris), Melissa Pavel, Christie Sledge, Lindsay and Payton Reese; his eight great-grandchildren, Katlin Hix (husband Blake), Kade Norton, Baylor Unfred (currently serving in Okinawa), Landon Drummond, Vivee Norton, Dawson Pavel, Wyatt and Caleb Fritch; and his great-great-grandson, Elliot Hix, and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held:

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Emerald Hills Funeral Home and Memorial Park

500 Kennedale Sublett Rd.

Kennedale, TX 76060

Viewing 1-2pm

Service 2pm followed by a graveside memorial

2 Timothy 4:7-8 (NIV): "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

With grace, strength, and unwavering faith, Truman lived a life of purpose and love. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. We rejoice in the promise that he now rests in eternal peace, crowned in righteousness, and welcomed home by the Lord he faithfully served.