Harold Paul Rees, 81, of Hillsboro, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25th, at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis. Harold (Hal) was born on December 3, 1944, to the late Jack and Ida Mai Rees. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, a chapter of his life that reflected his sense of duty and devotion to our country.
Known as a bit of a rebel at heart, Hal had an easygoing nature and rarely let anything upset him. He had a knack for making everyone laugh with his constant jokes, turning even the most ordinary moments into memorable experiences. He loved taking spontaneous adventures and traveling whenever he could. Family reunions were especially dear to him, and he took great joy in being surrounded by generations of family, stories, and laughter.
He is survived by his loving wife, Linda Rees; his children and stepchildren Rosetta Rees, James (Selena) Rees, Scott (Lexis) Rees, Christina (Chris) Haase, Renee Rees (Stoney Gauges), Ida (Matt) Denney, Wesley (Leanne) Rees, Rebecca Rees and Grady (Kristen) Lynch.
Hal was the proud grandfather of 27 grandchildren: Damien, Josh, Tori, Ashley, Emily, Jessica, Corey, Austin, Alayna, Tyler, Bailey, Rylan, Roman, Adam, Katie, Samantha, Matthew, Brady, Kamryn, Jasmyn, Faith, Zach, Isaac, Ian, Khloe, Rilee, and Emersyn, and the cherished great-grandfather of 19 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son Hal “Bubba” Rees, parents, Jack and Ida Mai Rees, and his siblings Donna Dunaway and Jack Rees. He is survived by his siblings Jon Rees, Vicki Travers, Carl Rees and Paul Rees.
An avid University of Kentucky basketball fan, Hal rarely missed a game. He was a proud member of the Lions Club, Elks, AMVETS and Masonic Lodge, valuing fellowship, service, and tradition. He also deeply loved his pets, who were constant companions and very much part of his family.
Services will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, Missouri. Visitation will take place on Monday, February 9 from 10 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 12:30 p.m. Following the service, the Rees family will proceed to Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery for a private military burial.
Hal will be remembered for his humor, adventurous spirit, steady presence, and deep love for his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and the generations he leaves behind.