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Ann Arbor, MI, age 86, died Wednesday, July 30, 2014 at the Arbor Hospice Residence.  He was born August 4, 1927 in Rozel, Kansas, the son of John Dee Reece and Martha (Hancock) Reece.

Gene enjoyed sports, old movies, and westerns.  He married Pattie Lea Fritz and she preceded him in death in 2009.  Pattie was Gene’s very first girlfriend and they were able to enjoy the twilight of their lives together.  Gene’s extended family includes step-sons, Don (Marie) Campbell of Dexter, MI; David (Shirley) Campbell of La Mirada, CA; Tim Fritz of Troy, IL; Mike Fritz (Karen) of Colorado Springs, CO; a daughter, Vickie (Terry) Benton of Benbrook, TX and 14 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Dee.


A burial will be held at the Mills Township Cemetery in Ogemaw County. Arrangements by Cole Funeral Chapel, Chelsea.

Comments  

#1 john rodden 2014-08-27 02:57
 
worked for Gene from 1985 till he retired and I took over his business, then he worked for me anytime I needed him. He was there for me when my dad passed in 86, when I was 22,and anytime after. We shot lots of lacquer, drank lots of beer, and while teaching me the painting trade, taut me to be a better man. Knew him better than my own father in some ways. I lost track of Gene when I could no longer reach him by phone, I was told he had died a couple of years ago, so I quit looking for him, I am so sad now that I didn't look harder. He always said what he thought, even if he knew you didn't want to hear it, and to me, he was usually right. I will never forget "Mean Gene the Painting Machine" as he oft called himself. John Rodden, Augusta, Kansas