William "Leon" Reese, 80, of Platte City, Missouri, formerly of DeKalb, MO, passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024 in Platte City. He was born January 27, 1944 in DeKalb, MO, son of Beatrice and Miles Reese. He graduated from DeKalb High School, class of 1962. Leon retired from Rockwell International as a Supervisor. He was a member of the former Rushville Masonic Lodge # 238, served with Region H Haz-Mat, and had served as former Mayor of DeKalb. He was instrumental of the start of DeKalb Rural Volunteer Fire Department, and later helped establish the now DeKalb Fire Protection District. He served the department for over 30 years, holding the rank of Captain and Driver Engineer, and also served as Board President for over two decades. He enjoyed officiating and coaching youth baseball, when his children were younger. Leon was an avid Royals, Chiefs, and Mizzou fan. He never knew a stranger, was a great friend to all, and was committed to his time in public service and helping others. He was preceded in death by his parents, son's Tony and Cory Reese, and siblings, Kenny Reese and Bonnie Youngberg. Survivors include: daughters, Cindy Reese (Kevin Marquardt) of Columbia, MO, Victoria (Brad) Fisher of Platte City, MO, brothers, Marvin (Janice) Reese of Houston, TX, Bob (Cathy) Reese of St. Charles, MO, sister, Beverly Reese of Atchison, KS, grandchildren, Morgan and Jayda Marquardt, Wyatt, Logan, Isabell, and Josephine Fisher, and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.Funeral Service will be at 7:00 pm Monday, February 19, 2024 at Rupp Funeral Home, where the family will receive friends prior from 5 to 7:00 pm. Following services, Leon will be cremated. A Graveside Inurnment Service will be at 11:00 am Saturday, February 24, 2024 at Westlawn Cemetery in DeKalb with a Celebration of Leon's Life to follow at the DeKalb Fire Station. Memorials are requested to the DeKalb Fire Protection District, PO Box 96, DeKalb, MO 64440. Online condolences, obituary and public live stream at www.ruppfuneral.com.
