Wendell B. Reese

Wendell B. Reese, age 93 of Empire, OH passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, November 23, 2022.

He was born July 5, 1929 the son of the late Harry A. and Dorothy (Keenan) Reese.

Wendell was a member of the Empire United Methodist Church and the Toronto American Legion. He had served as Mayor of Empire and served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War 1951 to 1953 and was a Toronto High School graduate.

He was the founder and owner of Reese Homes, Inc, Reese Development, Inc. EMH, and Wink’s Laundromat and had previously been employed for 21 years at the Toronto Ohio Edison power plant.

In addition to his parents, Wendell was preceded in death by his wife, Annabelle M. (Horvath) Reese in 2002; brothers, Harry, John and Terry; sisters, Nancy, Brenda and Amy and a grandson, Frank “Dude” Martin; granddaughter, Andrea Joyell  Piatt and great-grandson, Cody Byron Freeman.

Wendell is survived by his sons, Wendell A. “Wink” ( Beverly ) Reese of Empire; Byron E. ( Tisha ) Reese of Empire; daughters, Deborah Jane Piatt of -Toronto and Iris Ann Martin of Empire  ; step daughter, Carolyn (Jim ) Clark of Toronto; sister, Cindy Graham  Douglas (Sam )  of St. Clairsville.

A special mention for Wendell’s caregivers for nine years and most recent “best friends” who also called him Pap, Jackie Plumbley and John Skeens.

Former wife and lifelong friend, Susan Reese.

9 grandchildren 24 great grandchildren 8 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation hours for Wendell will be held 2-4 & 6-8 Monday, November 28th and 11 am to 12 pm noon Tuesday, November 29th followed by a celebration of Wendell’s life at 12pm Tuesday at the Clarke Funeral Home, Interment will follow at the Sugar Grove Union Cemetery

 where there will be a graveside service followed full military honors by the Toronto American Legion Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions in memory of Wendell may be given to the Empire United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 147, Empire, OH 43926.

To send condolences to the family, go to www.clarkefuneralhome

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