IL HR1267

Illinois House of Representatives memorializes Robert D. Reese of Tuscola, who died on October 9, 2012, at age 50.

Reese worked as a meteorologist and news anchor for WAND-TV in Decatur and served as chief meteorologist for WCIA 3 starting in 1998; he also worked in broadcasting at various central Illinois radio stations.

Reese previously worked as a police officer in Kansas and Illinois, and held degrees from Eastern Illinois University and Mississippi State University's broadcast meteorology program.

Reese volunteered extensively with charities in central Illinois including the MDA Labor Day telethon, Mid-Illinois Big Brothers/Big Sisters (receiving the 1998 Volunteer of the Year Award), Douglas County Emergency Services, and cancer survivor events.

Reese is survived by his wife Pamela, four children, two grandchildren, his mother Mary, two sisters, and extended family in central Illinois and England.