Robert Sterling Reece was born on September 5, 1931 in Coin, Iowa, the son of Walter Helms and Mary Lorene (Sallee) Reece. Bob entered into eternal peace on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at his home in Shenandoah, Iowa.

Bob lived in the Coin area for the majority of his life. He attended Coin Consolidated Schools and graduated with the Class of 1949. On November 19, 1951 Bob joined the United States Army and served his country until October 23, 1953. While in the service he served a tour in Japan.

On October 24, 1953 he was united in marriage to his beloved Phyllis Ruth Young. The couple was blessed with over 55 years of marriage. Bob farmed for the majority of his working days. He also worked for the United States Post Office as a substitute rural carrier for the Blanchard area. He later took on a full time position with the post office as the regular carrier for the city of Coin.

Bob was a longtime member of the Coin United Methodist Church and the Track Club in Lincoln. Bob enjoyed all varieties of sports, but was most fond of softball and track. He even competed in the Master's Division of Track Events in his later years. He also had a passion for running and competed in many marathons, up until his late 50's.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Joan Pauls, a son Thomas Duane Reece, and mother and father-in-law Joe and Ruth Young.

Those left to honor his memory include his devoted wife Phyllis of Shenandoah, IA; children; Ruth Reece of Columbia, MO, Regina Schulze and husband Arnie of Omaha, NE, Tim Reece and wife Nancy of Urbandale, IA and Faith Minihan and husband John of Newark, OH; grandchildren A.J. Schulze, Johnny Minihan, Hannah Minihan, Abby Minihan, Daniel Minihan, Sophia Reece and Thomas Reece; other relatives and many friends.

Funeral Services were held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 2, 2009 at the Coin United Methodist Church with Rev. Buck Buckhahn officiating. Nina Stoner attended the memorial register while Frances Murphy and Barbara McCollum cared for flowers. Terri Murphy served as pianist. The congregation sang "Hymn of Promise", "Amazing Grace" was sung by the Minihan children and Faith Minihan offered a special tribute to her father by singing "I'll Meet You In The Morning". Serving as casket bearers were Ron Saye, Mike Green, Jerry Boylan, Gary Annan, Jim McCowen, Gerald Walter, Charlie White and Steve Armstrong. Honorary casket bearers were Hobert Gant and Byron Stoner. Burial followed in the Elmwood Cemetery.