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 30 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, Sydney, Jacob, Bradley, 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 11 a.m. until time of Funeral Service at 12: 15 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.
Uncle Hal you were one of a kind and your heart felt moments all through my life will forever be cherished, our talks and my fears you always said to me Let them Laugh “Laugh with them” that will always confuse the crap out of a Bully LOL I love you Uncle Hal and you will forever be a print on my Heart you treated us all like your very own and I am so proud to carry that gene on too just like Grandmother Rees RIP Fly High . You Niece Shelly
Rip my dear friend god this hurt it was a pleasure working with u
I only got to meet you once and planned to meet up again this summer. You made me feel like family from the moment we met. I will never forget that evening, The awesome hugs. You will be so missed by so many. Rest peacefully.
Your SIL Angel
Hal was one of a kind of person, he always was a kind and humble person. Very humorous at times. It was a pleasure to have had the privilege and pleasure of working with him.
Hal, it was nice meeting you, even though it was only once. I will always remember that day and the kindness you shared with me and my family. Your presence made a lasting impression on all of us, and we feel grateful to have crossed paths with you, even for such a brief moment. You will be remembered and deeply missed.
A wonderful brother who had a super big heart and a warm and friendly personality. Loved keeping up with his Kentucky Wildcats, GO BIG BLUE! I’m going to miss you big brother!! You rest in peace and someday we’ll talk again.
I liked Al from the first time. I met him at the masonic Lodge in Hillsboro Missouri. Later on he asked me if I could get him a job so him and I went to the Hillsborough College and we filled out his application and he spent about five years at Oats corporation where everyone who met him like him he was friendly all of the time and a very pleasant person to work with with a great humor. He will be missed Brother Danny Tuggle.
Hadn’t seen him in years but what I remember he loved to cut up and joke and loved his family.
He will be remembered by his joy of life and his love for his family and his work with the Lions Clubs. Linda, we are so sorry for your loss.
To Our Daughter , Mrs . Lexis Rees ,
Lexis , you , and Scott , have our most sincere sympathy , on the passing , of Scott’s Father .
Losing a family member of any kind , is just “Dreadful”
We send our “Heartfelt” support , during such a difficult time .
We also , would like to speak for our “Grandson Roman” who is supporting , his father spirtually
“Lexis” you lived through the loss , of your grandfather , when you were very young as well.
When there is a family link that has been removed , it can never be replaced ,
“Roman” sends a “Bigg Boy Hugg” to all of his his relatives , during this difficult time .
“Scott” Dad and I , will be in constant prayer , for you , and , your many love ones .
Love Always …….
Your sister Vicki! Hal was always happy and cracking jokes. He loved his family more than anything! He never complained even if times were rough. Rest in peace Hal. I love you and we will all miss you so much❤️
I just saw this just now . Sorry for his family members loss . Glad you stopped by Raleigh on your way home last summer .🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
The Keith Family .
Hal and I became very good friends when he became a master mason at Joachim Masonic in Hillsboro, Missouri about 9 years ago. We had many things in common. Both of us are military veterans who served our country with honor and pride, we both have been our families genealogists for many decades sharing our successes and the obstacles we had in finding information about our ancestors. We both enjoyed each others humor as we teased each other in good fun. I know you fought many health situations in the last few years and knowing you are at peace now is a blessing. I miss you my brother.