David Reese

David Francis Reese of Akron, Ohio went home to be with his lord and savior Jesus Christ on January 27, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with ALS.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Springfield Assembly of God located at 1551 Canton Road, Akron 44312 on Saturday, February 8. Calling hours will be from 10 am to Noon. Celebration of Life will start at Noon.

David was born in Akron, Ohio to Francis Irvin Reese and Myrtle Daisy Harpley on July 29, 1948. He graduated from Kenmore High School and The University of Akron. He married his sweetheart Karen Dunford on August 27, 1966. They were married for 58 years and in that time, memories were forever made. They went on to have five daughters and they also raised their grandson as their own. It was always a priority for him to raise his children with the knowledge of Jesus Christ. He made sure to have family devotions on a regular basis. David worked hard throughout his life providing for his family until he retired. He also worked with determination, grit and creativity at whatever he put his hands to, from woodworking in high school, putting up siding with his brothers and any and all home projects to make a better life for his family. He was a generous man with his time and efforts throughout his life. Missions were a passion for David, he was so glad when he and his grandson had an opportunity to go on a mission's trip together to Honduras. He always relished when his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren would come and visit. He loved all their large family gatherings and would enjoy just listening to all the conversation and laughter going on around him; he really enjoyed the food too! More than any person on earth, he loved his sweetheart, his bride, the love of his life Karen. When he became physically unable to participate in life as he knew it, his reliance on Jesus grew and grew. David knew he needed more than his own will and determination as life got harder. He relied fully on the strength that only his Heavenly Father could provide. Life had a lot of bumps and curves, as life always does, but they made it through because of the commitment they made to one another and Christ many years ago.

David was preceded in death by both his parents, sister Charlene Gardner, brother-in-law Ron Rector and two of his daughters Beth Ann Reese and Kristen Marie Reese.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving and faithful wife Karen Reese; his four children: Kelly Rister, Terri Giaquinto (Jon), Lori (Allen Campbell) and Tim Reese (Kelly Gates); five grandchildren: Ashley Reese, Kristen Snyder (Josh), Jonathon Giaquinto (Jess), Alicia Ford and Grant Ford; nine great-grandchildren: Hope Reese, Gavin Reese, Wyatt Reese, Peyton Cox, Marlee Baker, Austyn Rose Snyder, Parker Snyder and Steven Snyder; five brothers and two sisters: Patricia Rector, Chuck (Robin) Reese, Tom (Bonnie) Reese, John (Amy) Reese, Terry Reese (Cheryl Bowers), Donna Musacchia, Tim (Teresa) Reese; his brother and sister-in-law David and Kathy Dunford; and his many nieces and nephews.

David depended fully on the strength and love that his relationship with Jesus brought to his life. Because of that, he was passionate for missions and the spreading of the love of Christ to everyone here and around the world. A few of the missions that were close to his heart were, The Voice of the Martyrs, Doctors without Borders and Haven of Rest Ministries in Akron. In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to one of these missions that meant so much to David. Thank you so much.

The family of David wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Cleveland Clinic Justin T. Rodgers Hospice Care Center in Fairlawn for their loving compassion and care they gave so freely to our dad and husband during his final days. They lifted the burden off and gave us time to be together as a family and we are ever so grateful. We would also like to thank Denise, Delores and Tammy, his in-home care team, for their kindness, they gave such excellent care to our dad and husband.

"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor ruler, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:35, 38-39)