Reese Alexander Thomas was born on April 7,1955, to the late Clayton Thomas, a worker at Western Electric, and Roberta Thomas, a homemaker. He was born in Port Huron, MI where he would reside until his collegiate journey. Reese received his Bachelors of Art from Bethel University in 1977. He received his Masters of Divinity and a certificate in Christian Education from Ashland Theological Seminary in 1981. Reese furthered his education earning a Doctor of Metaphysics from Universal Life Church in 1989.
Reese enlisted in 1985 to the United States Army serving as a 71M Chaplains Assistant and earning a rank of SGT prior to separating from the Army in 1988. He attended the United States Army Chaplain Center and School completing the Chapel Activity Specialist Course in 1985. While serving, Reese received an Army Commendation Medal for his heroism of saving a fellow serviceman’s life.
Reese married his best friend and fellow lover of the outdoors, Cheryl, on September 23, 1986, in Colorado Springs, CO. Reese and Cheryl together enjoyed voluntarily teaching classes providing support and resources to families for the challenges and impacts of servicemember’s deployments, while serving at Fort Carson Army Base. This led Reese to receive a letter of recommendation from the Army. Reese was blessed with a large family of seven children. He helped raise his children by teaching them about giving back to the community, helping one another and the importance of family and those you surround yourself with.
Reese immersed himself in the Christian community by ministering and helping youth in their walk and faith. He often would express his purpose on this earth was to help others by providing faith guidance and uplifting prayers. Reese was also a lover of music and history; teaching music through choir at the local church and history for Excalibur Charter School in Apache Junction, AZ. Reese found joy and fulfillment in playing musical instruments such as the piano and his guitar. Reese was privileged by playing the piano for the General of the Army at a Christmas Gala in 1985. Nearing the end of his life, Reese would play his guitar for patients and staff in the hospital, bringing them peace and solace during such difficult times.
Reese was adamant about giving back to the community through volunteering. He and his children would volunteer at nursing homes where Reese would play his guitar while singing for the elders. Reese would also volunteer to place flags at the gravesites of servicemembers on the various holidays, as a way to continue his service to his country. He would rally and encourage others to also participate in such volunteering as he was an avid believer in guiding others to be ambassadors of hope and love.
Reese is survived by his wife, Cheryl; his two sons, Joshua and Joseph; his five daughters, Melissa, Amanda, Alexandera Reese, Anna, and Whitney; his seven grandchildren; and his mother.
In Lieu of flowers, Reese is requesting donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or MD Anderson Hospital for research purposes.
Reese will be laid to rest on Tuesday May 14, 2024, at Mountain View Funeral Home and Cemetery in Mesa, AZ. A viewing will be held for the family with the service directly following for all guests. There will be no funeral reception held. Please contact the family for times.