Robert L Reese

Robert L. “Bob” Reese, 73, of Athens, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2022 at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital.

A memorial gathering will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2022 at Lighthouse of Athens, 310 S. Capital Avenue, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. with a short ceremony to begin at 5:30 P.M. Bob’s brother-in-law, Pastor Michael Dase, will lead the ceremony. Food and refreshments will be available to guests. The family is being served by Lighthouse Funeral & Cremation.

Bob was born on March 15, 1949 in Adrian, MI to George A. and Virginia C. (Poll) Reese. He lived in the Jackson area as a child and moved to Leslie his freshman year of high school. He graduated from Leslie High in 1968. Just before graduating he married his sweetheart, Emily Vacek, on Dec. 2, 1967 in Leslie.

Bob and Emily made their home in Leslie for many years, where they owned Leslie Bait & Tackle. To say Bob was an avid fisherman would be a huge understatement. If there was water, you would find Bob fishing it. Bob was the founder of the Leslie Bass Club and was a part of many fishing tournaments. The couple later moved to Stockbridge where they continued their love of fishing by opening Village Bait and Tackle there. After several years they started the Stockbridge Horse Auction and Ok-Kee-Do-Kee Stables. This was one of his wife’s passions. In addition to the bait shops, Bob was also a skilled mechanic. He was self employed and mostly worked on small engines.

Bob and his wife had many trips and adventures together throughout the United States. They lived in many different places through the years, but settled down in Athens, MI in 2003. Bob wasn’t much for socializing, but if you wanted to talk fishing, he loved to trade stories. That was what he was passionate about. One of his favorite places to go fishing with his family was on Lake Michigan near St. Joseph, MI, where he made many lasting memories.

In addition to his wife of nearly 55 years, Emily Reese, Bob is survived by his daughter Ruth Reese of Athens, his sisters Nancy (George) Dunbar of St. Louis, MO and Marlene (Michael) Dase of Brooklyn, MI, several nieces & nephews, and his beloved dogs, Tucker and Toby. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Roy Reese, his half-brother William “Butch” Putnam and his half-sister Sharon Jenkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Humane Society of Branch County, 969 Wildwood Rd #9508, Quincy, MI 49082.