Dr. Charles Earl Reel

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Dr. Charles Earl Reel, 86, McLeansboro, died 9:24 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2009, at his residence in McLeansboro.

Upon his death, it was Dr. Reel's personal request to be cremated. There will be no visitation or funeral services. The family will conduct a private burial of ashes at a later date.

He was born in Harrisburg on Oct. 29, 1928, to Dr. Earl and Gertrude (Jones) Reel. He married the former Gloria Jo Sloan, who survives in McLeansboro.

He was a dentist and oral surgeon.

Dr. Reel was a World War II Navy veteran, serving as a naval aviation electronics technician. After receiving his University of Illinois degree in dentistry, he completed three year residencies in oral and maxillofacial surgery at Northwestern University, Cleveland Clinic, St. Vincent's Hospital system and the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital. Dr. Reel chose to return to Southern Illinois to practice his advanced surgical training. His primary mission was to perform his specialty surgery in the smaller hospitals of his home area. Toward the end, he lectured and operated in 17 Southern Illinois hospitals, pioneering his specialty as a "circuit rider," operating in the patients' own community local hospital. His service was especially noteworthy on more advanced facial trauma cases. Heart problems ultimately limited his broad based surgical service into an extended semi-retirement.

Survivors in addition to his wife include a daughter, Carol Shepherd and husband David of Porter, Ind.; a sister, Suellen Barter of Harrisburg; and a brother, Dr. John Reel of Harrisburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son, Steven Reel.

Harre Funeral Home, McLeansboro, was in charge of Dr. Reel's arrangements.