Charles Edward Reese Sr. (Sweet Water Charley) passed away March 31, 2013 at his home near Kiowa, CO with his family at his side. He was born November 23, 1926 in Braddock, PA and was the eldest son of Neil Robinson Reese and Clara Felder Reese. Charles graduated from William Smith High School in Aurora, CO in 1945. He served honorably in the U.S. Army during World War II in the headquarters Battery, 309th Field Artillery Battalion. Upon returning home from serving in the Army, Charles attended Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO for one year. Charles met his loving wife of 64 years, Donna Lee Christener after leaving CSU and they were married March 05, 1949 in Ranton, New Mexico. Their first home was in Grand Lake, CO where Charles worked on the construction of the Shadow Mountain Dam. Charles and Donna then moved to California where he worked for firestone in Oakland, CA for two years. Charles and Donna returned to Colorado in 1952 where Charles would start his career as a Fire Fighter for the City of Aurora,CO in 1957. Charles served 30 years on the Aurora Fire Department, Retiring December 06, 1986. Charles' service as an Aurora Firefighter was a career in which he served proudly and often spoke about fondly. Charles also worked part time as a journeyman electrician during his time with Aurora Fire and after retirement. Charles and Donna moved for the final time to their retirement home East of Kiowa, CO in January 1983 where he and Donna lived for the past 30 years surrounded by family and a great many of friends, until his passing.
Charles had many interests but especially enjoyed his cattle, gardening, arrowhead hunting, model airplanes, golf, big game hunting, fishing, pony express racing, and most of all, his dogs. He was a member of the NRA, American Legion Elbert County Post, Colorado Cattleman's Association, Douglas-Elbert County Livestock Association, Kiowa Lions Club, and the Elbert County Republican and tea parties. Charles was honored and thrilled to be selected to carry the Olympic Torch in the 2002 relay in Buena Vista, CO for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.
Charles was a Beloved husband and is survived by his loving wife, Donna Lee Christener Reese; Son, Charles Edward Reese Jr. (Lynette) of Simla; Daughter,Carollyn Reese Hall (Bruce) of Ordway; Daughter, Charlene Reese Gee of Parachute; as well as Grandchildren;Stetson Tapp (Teri) of Riverton, WY; Tiffany Guynn (Scott) of Kiowa; Mandy Taylor (Jimmy) of Kiowa; Gabrielle Perryman (Shawn) of Kanorado, Kansas; Crystal Lenard of Elbert; Kenneth "Keg" Gee (Raquel) of Calhan; and Matt Reese of Simla.
Charles is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, one brother, Neil Robinson Reese Jr. of Golden; and one sister Mary Cecil Reese Slade of Kiowa as well as many nieces and nephews.
Charles ' Legacy lives on in his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and all who knew and loved him. Charles was a man of great integrity, high energy and compassion which he demonstrated in his service to others throughout his life. His family loves him so deeply and will miss him greatly forever.
Funeral services will be held with the Aurora Fire Dept. Honors on April 06, 2013 at the Kiowa Creek Community Church in Kiowa, CO.
Note: In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions may be made to Kiowa Community Church.
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