Mr. Bobby Keith Reel, Sr. age 82, of Starks, Louisiana died on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital.
Born in Dorcas, West Virginia on April 22, 1934. Mr. Reel was a son of late Thomas Copher Blackburn Reel and Erma Judy Reel.
He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as an Airman First Class. He was honorably discharged 1960 after serving in the Korean War.
Following his honorable discharge he worked for United Airlines for as an airline mechanic for 17 years. He worked for Boise Southern/Boise Cascade as maintenance superintendent where he was greatly respected for 30 years. He was a hard working man, and was willing to lend a helping hand where needed. After retirement he discovered his true love working on his cattle farm.
His love for the outdoors was apparent with his gardening skills with the abundance of tomatoes and cucumbers. He spent many hours on the tractor in the pasture and tending to his cattle. He was an avid reader and read everything he could get his hands on including the Encyclopedia Britannica twice.
He was a devoted husband, father, and adored grandfather. His grandchildren were his most prized possessions and he was a staunch promoter education. Mr. Reel always inquired about the progress of their studies and encouraged them to complete their educational endeavors.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Jim Reel, Cipher “Bill” Reel, three sisters: Frieda Propst, Edna Evans, and Virginia Fitzpatrick. Also preceded in death by beloved sister in laws Mary Reel and Florence Reel.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Janice LaRue Thompson Reel, a son Bobby Keith Reel, Jr and wife, Eleshia (Hyatt) Reel, daughters, Beverly Kay Reel Stephenson and husband, Lloyd Glenn Stephenson, Jr. and Yvonne Eileen Reel Alexander and husband, David Glenn Alexander, Sr. His grand children were Mandy Rachel Thibodeaux, David Glenn Alexander, Jr., Lacy Jaye Alexander Crenshaw, James Elton Hyatt Reel, Charles Edwin Saulnier, Coby James Alexander, Thomas Glenn Stephenson, and Katie Cecile Stephenson. 10 great grandchildren from extended family, and several nieces and nephews also survived him.
Pallbearers will be Jamie Hyatt Reel, Charles Edwin Saulnier, Coby James Alexander, James Fitzpatrick, Michael Roy Thompson, and Randall Gibson. Honorary Paul Bearers are Billy Roy Thompson and Johnny Berry.
Visitation will be held from 4pm until 8pm on Sunday, November 06, 2016 at the Hixson-Snider Funeral Home, with memorial services Monday, November 07, 2016 at 10:00am with Celebrant Jody Barilleaux officiating. Burial will be at Miller Annex Cemetery in Starks, La.
Special thank you to his all of his care providers including Heart of Hospice, Dr. Brian Clements, and DaVita Dialysis Center.
Services will be under the direction of Hixson-Snider Funeral Home, 205 West Harrison Street, DeQuincy, Louisiana 70633. Phone: 337-786-6000. In lieu of flowers a contribution in the memory of Mr. Reel may be made to the American Cancer Society or American Heart Association (https://donatenow.heart.org). Reception meal for family and friends immediately following services on Monday in Starks, please come and help us celebrate Bobby’s life.
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