Eugene F. Reese

Eugene Frederick “Gene” Reese, 88, of Dover passed away on Saturday, January 2, 2021 at home surrounded by his family and special friends following an extended illness.

Born July 10, 1932 in Dover, he was the son of the late John and Mary (Campo) Reese.

Eugene attended military school at the Ohio Military Institute at College Hill in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated in 1950. While at school in Cincinnati he met the girl to be his bride and married Arlene Eversull on September 15, 1950. They moved to Dover where they resided up until her death in 2016.

Eugene started a trucking company Reese Trucking, Inc. in 1968 that has consumed much of his time for most of his life. As the song goes “He did it his way” and was very much a self-made man. He was known as Bear by his friends for both his size and sometimes his attitude.

He took great pride in the community and at one time or another was a member of numerous clubs including the Exchange Club and Tornado Club to name a few. He was a huge backer of anything Dover and could be seen at most football games. After his complications from a fall on Aug. 29, 2019, he fought to be able to make it to the first home game after to watch his great grandson kick and his great granddaughter march in the band. With great determination he met his goal.

Gene is survived by a daughter Debra Goodhart of Dover and her children, Scot (Holly) Goodhart, Brian (Shelly) Goodhart, Rajean (Charles West) Hisle and Eric Goodhart and his son, Eugene (Linda) Reese Jr. and their children Mark (Jen) Reese, Jennifer (Steven) Utter, Jessica (Jason) Barton, Eugene "CJ" (Tyler Weldishofer) Reese III. He is also survived by 16 great grandchildren, a niece, numerous nephews and a sister in law and brother in law.

In addition to his wife and parents, Gene was preceded by his sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a very special nephew, John.

Calling hours are Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 from 6 – 7:30pm followed by a service beginning at 7:30pm. in the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory at Dover. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Gene can sign the online guestbook by visiting the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com.

In honor of his love of all things Dover, please dress in Dover attire if able.

Gene’s family would like to thank Community Hospice for the wonderful care Gene received and would like donations directed to the Community Hospice (Truman) House, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663