David B. Rees

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[David B. Rees departed this life at 6:55 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010, at the Charlier Hospice Center in Evansville, Ind., surrounded by the love of his family. David was born on Jan. 1, 1937, in Harrisburg to the late George and Naomi (Russell) Rees. On March 16, 1956, David was joined in marriage to Dianna Gidcumb at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. David was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg.

David loved his family very much. He was a devoted, kind, family-oriented man and was always available to lend a helping hand. He is survived by his wife, Dianna Rees, with whom he would have celebrated 54 years of marriage on March 16; one son, Steven Rees and wife Elizabeth of Fort Smith, Ark.; two daughters, Marlene Waller and her husband Bill of Evansville, Ind. and Patty Evans and her husband David of Galatia. Also surviving are grandchildren, Shawn Rees and his wife Carmen, Mandy Fort, Dustin Rees and fiance Melissa Moreno, Clinton Omohundro and his wife Katie, Lauren Brooks and her husband Eric, Kate Evans and fiance Casey Hackbart, Jordan Waller, Addyson Evans; and five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Tom Rees; and a granddaughter, Anna Rees Waller.

While growing up in Harrisburg, David was active in the Boy Scouts and later became a scout leader. After graduating with the class of 1955 at Harrisburg Township High School, David volunteered for service in the United States Air Force, serving from 1955 to 1959. He worked as a jet mechanic while stationed on Strategic Air Command Bases across the country. He was a longtime employee of Peabody Coal Company holding various management positions throughout his 27 years of service. David was an avid fisherman and spent many happy hours fishing with his family and friends on the Ohio River.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, at Reed Funeral Chapel. The Rev. David Estep will officiate. Burial will follow in Sunset Garden Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010, at Reed Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Memorial Fund of the First United Methodist Church of Harrisburg. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent to the Internet site www.reedfuneralchapel.com.