Robert “Bob” Reese

Robert (Bob, Sonny) H. Reese, 91, of Laramie, Wyoming passed away April 14, 2017. Bob was born December 22, 1925 in Hanna, Wyoming where he was raised by his grandmother Maggie Reese. Bob was a WWII veteran who served in the U.S. Army First Cavalry Division (First Team!) from October 1944 to January 1947 in the Asiatic Pacific campaign. During this time he was chosen to serve as an honor guard at the signing of the peace treaty with Japan. He married Beverly Sawyer January 12, 1946 in Denver, Colorado. He was a forever fan of the Chicago Cubs and big band music. Bob never met a stranger and was known and loved for his quick wit and sense of humor.

Bob is remembered for all his hard work to provide for his family. He worked at the University of Wyoming and especially enjoyed the brotherhood of the plumbing shop and his time mowing grass on the U.W. campus. He was recognized and respected as well in the many part time jobs he held. Bob had a love of hunting, fishing, his Wyoming Cowboys and professional sports. Some of his favorite memories were the Cubbies winning the 2016 World Series, family parties in the gazebo, retelling family stories, breakfast with the gang at Perkins, and his home full of good times with family and friends.

This proud-to-be-American was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years Beverly (Sawyer), his grandmother Maggie Reese, his childhood father-figure Julian Choate, his parents John Reese and Margaret Sandahl, a sister Dorothy Matz and a granddaughter Jennifer Jean Marr.

He is survived by daughters Pamela (Douglas) Marr of Augusta, Kansas, Cindy (Gene) Atencio of Laramie, Wyoming, Susan (Kim) Wilkinson of McDermott, Nevada, Tamara (John) Hilim of Rawlins, Wyoming, and Rebecca (Tom) Peacock of Morrill, Nebraska, 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, 2017 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Cathedral with the Very Reverend Stephen Askew, officiating. Inurment will follow at the St. Matthew’s Cathedral Columbarium with military honors by the Wyoming National Guard and the Laramie Veteran’s Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Veterans of Foreign War and/or Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, https://jrd.rmef.org/howtohelp/donate

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Condolences (12)

  • Carol and Steve Miller

    Our sincere condolences. We were fortunate to know Beverly and Bob.

  • Steve Mahaffey

    Bob was a great friend. He was always there with a friendly greeting and a cup of coffee in the Music Building. He made mornings more pleasant and days more fun. He was a friend to everyone. I haven't seen him in quite a while but I know that he would greet me like the great friends we were.

  • Colton & Cortnee's Family from Riverton

    Our deepest condolences, we know your hearts hurt. May you find peace in knowing that he is resting arm in arm with his beloved Beverly and other loved ones at the right hand of our Lord and Father.

  • Karen Bard

    Cindy and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy. Even though I only had the chance to know your dad when he visited you at the shop I feel so sad that I won't see him there again. May God bless you and your family and bring you the comfort of beautiful memories in this difficult time.

  • LaVona Bromley

    My deepest heart felt condolences to Cindy and sll the family. I was devastated to hear of his passing as I had a real nice visit just days before but then each and every time it was a great visit. I called him my business partner as he made the greatest bird houses and I painted and decorated them and they were on high demand. I truly will miss him as I know everyone that knew him will...rest in peace my dear friend until we meet again! <3

  • Tory & Darcy Foss

    Pam & Doug, Tory & I were so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He was a larger than Life man that made us all feel elevated to be in his presence. Thank you for sharing him with us God. Let his spirit shine on in all our memories. Tory & Darcy

  • Sarah Pope and Judy & Dick Cuthbertson

    Bob and Bev were Hanna friends of the Lee family forever. He and my mom were close in age, and maintained a friendship over the years (as most of the Hanna folk did). He was a kind, good man, and was more than helpful when my great-aunt, Bella Reel passed away. He will be missed.

  • Anonymous

    Bob & Beverly were two of my most respected people ever. Growing up a block and ½ away, I often found myself at their house. All of the kids in the neighborhood gathered there. Pam and Cindy were the real reason all of the kids went there though. We were rowdy, and Bob and Bev took it all in stride. When we were young kids, their house was in need of a lot of care. Bob and Bev worked constantly on that house and it ended up the nicest in the neighborhood. They were kind, hard working, and fiercely loyal to their friends and family (which extended to us kids as well). Wonderful folks. Bruce Mitchell

  • Sharon Cole

    I'm so very sorry of Bob's passing. We worked together at the U.W. for many years. He was the most awesome man I have ever met. He always had a million dollar smile, and a great hug. He will be greatly missed. My heart breaks hearing of this. God bless and R.I.P. my dear friend.

  • Cindy Wambeam

    I'm still all teary-eyed when remembering the last time I saw him -- got a big hug and a huge grin. What a special man he was, and what a wonderful father to his daughters. Left a donation to Veterans of Foreign Wars, dedicated to the memory of this great man. Much love and sympathy to Becky, Tammy, Cindy and the rest of your family.

  • John Fanning

    Bob always talked with me as if I were his son. I had great respect for Bob, and I will miss his salutation, "hello John boy". Rest in peace with God.

  • Arnold Terry and Patricia Shearin

    My deepest condolences to the family. Patricia and I loved to visit with Bob and Beverly when we could go for our walks. Bob and Beverly will always hold a warm place in our hearts as they were so caring and friendly. I know they will meet in heaven.

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