Bert David Reece

1926-2008

            A man of vision and ambition passed away Sunday, August 17, 2008. He was born at the family homestead outside of Byers, Colorado, the youngest of four sons to John Jacob and Goldie May Reece. Bert loved riding the ranch and working the cattle with his brothers, Elmer, Bob, and Winfort.

            The older brothers stayed at the ranch and Bert and his mother moved to Bloomington, Illinois where she remarried and had a son, Lafayette "Lafe". Bert returned to the family ranch but a short time later at the young age of 15 he left home and headed to Denver. There he worked on the Dam and took an apprenticeship as a Wool Grader. At the age of 17 he married LouElla Philyaw and their 8 years of marriage produced 5 children.

            Military duty called and Bert went to Fort Sill in the Army Engineers and was later honorably discharged. He then moved to Montana to continue his career as a Wool Grader. In Miles City, he met Cleone "Peggy" Nasby, they married and had 2 children. They settled in Billings, Mt. and started buying and remodeling rental properties. He became a very successful land developer and builder with many projects in the Heights area. He was president of the Kiwanis and the Eagles Lodge and also served as a director in the Western State Bank.

            Bert retired for a while to travel the U.S. in his motorhome with his beloved dog Mister. He came out of retirement and once again resumed his passion of building. He completed his last home at the age of 77.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons David and Darrell; and two brothers Bob and Lafe.

            He is survived by his children Goldie Davis of Nashville, Tn., Linda (Pete) McDougal of Medina, Oh., Ramona Murray of Medina, Oh., Michael Reece (Cheryl Lenox) of Billings and Nola Reece of Billings; two brothers Elmer and Winfort of Denver; two sisters Nellie of Denver and Lillian of NC; 8 grandchildren Tammy McCleary, Pamala Egloff, Jacob Bummer, Carrie McCall, Jason McDougal, Garrett Bremer, Theressa McMorris, and Corina Denny; and 17 great grandchildren.

            A gathering of family and friends will be held at the Eagles Lodge on Laurie Lane at 2:00 P.M., Saturday August 23, 2008. Cremation has taken place and a private family interment will be held at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park. Condolences may be sent to The Family of Bert Reece, c/o Linda McDougal, P.O. Box 50385, Billings, Mt. 59105.  

“Strong hands have been put to rest-he gave it his very best.

With a smile on his face, he left this earthly place.”