David Arthur Reese, 76, passed away peacefully in his home in Morgantown, on Feb. 4, 2021, with his loving wife, Donna, by his side. He was born in Maidsville to the late David and Virginia Stewart Reese.
David was a 1962 graduate of University High School, then went on to earn his Bachelor of Science from West Virginia University. He was a high school science teacher in Ohio and West Virginia for many years. He then came back to West Virginia and was a railman in the coal mines and promoted to safety inspector. He was a proud member of United Mine Workers of America. Dave later opened Nicola’s restaurant in Morgantown, where he was the manager and cook. He also was a sales associate at Montgomery Ward, a United States Postal Worker and retired from medicine materials management at West Virginia University Hospitals. David was also an avid runner and could be spotted walking from Westover to downtown in his infamous cut-off sleeve hospital scrub shirt. He was a die hard WVU fan and loved baking Christmas cookies each year. He was also an avid reader and was passionate about politics and political history.
Above all, David was defined by his love for his family. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Donna Lee Reese (Thies); his three sons, David (Terra), Derek (Annie) and Danin (Danielle); his six grandchildren, Oleda, Lilienne, Mallory, Lucas, Charles and Juniper; his siblings, James (Elizabeth) and Patricia; his many cousins, nieces and nephews; and his dog Darby and his many granddogs. He was preceded in death by his baby sister, Brenda Jean Friend (Ronald).
The family will receive friends at the Fred L. Jenkins Funeral Home from 11 a.m., Feb. 22, until the time of services at 1 p.m. All visitors and guests will be asked to properly wear a face covering, socially distance and limit their time to no more than 15 minutes. Burial will follow at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please help David’s generosity to continue by considering a donation in his honor to the Shack Neighborhood House, Scott’s Run Settlement House, or similar organization geared toward serving youth and families in need in our region.
