From:  Lowell Gerald Reese Obituary 2024 - Nelson Funeral Home

Lowell Gerald Reese

It is with heavy hearts and fond remembrance that we announce the passing of Lowell Gerald Reese (88) of Hyde Park, Utah. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, and grandfather. Gerald passed away peacefully at home on July 30, 2024, surrounded by family.

Born on October 5, 1935, to Lowell Sern Reese and Helen Eunice Pitcher, Gerald grew up during challenging times, as his parents lived through World War I, the Great Depression, and World War II. Despite—or perhaps because of—these hardships, Gerald and his three brothers, Ronald, Daryl, and Gaylen, were raised in a strong and supportive home. Those who knew the Reese family recognized the deep love and frequent laughter that filled their lives.

The gospel was central to Gerald's life. He often said, "There has never been a moment in my life when I doubted my testimony. I am thankful for my testimony and feel that it is a result of the love, example, and teachings of my wonderful parents."

Gerald fondly remembered growing up on the family farm in Benson, Utah, where he loved all aspects of farm life. At age three, he rode a Percheron draft horse to help unload hay. One of his favorite responsibilities was, at age five, “after morning milking, saddling up one of the high-quality saddle horses my dad always had available and driving the 50-60 head of cattle down the dusty lane to pasture and then returning in the afternoon to round them up and drive them back to the corral before evening milking.” By eight, he was using a beet plow to lift beets for prisoners working in the fields to top the beets. Each morning, he and his dad took a 10-gallon can of fresh milk to the fields for the prisoners. By nine, he was harnessing three Belgian draft horses to lift hay onto the barn track. At age 15, Gerald worked at the Del Monte Factory in Smithfield, canning peas, beans, and corn. This hot and physically demanding work helped him save money for college tuition and buy his first car, a 1941 Pontiac Coupe. In high school, he would drive the 2 1⁄2-ton truck to load five tons of beet pulp and then unload the five tons, a testament to his physical strength and dedication.

Gerald graduated from North Cache High School in May 1953, where he pursued his interest in photography as part of the yearbook team. Upon graduation, he received the only scholarship awarded that year by the American Dairy Association of Utah and began studying Dairy Manufacturing at Utah State University. However, his educational path soon shifted to photography, as he later recounted:

“I also took some photography elective courses; however, as I was nearing graduation, the Dean of the agricultural college called me into his office and said I would not be allowed to take any more photography classes because if I did, I would have a degree in photography as well. I told him that I had completed all the required classes for the dairy manufacturing degree and had earned good grades in them, and I was just taking the photography courses as extra credits because I enjoyed them. He said, ‘I don't care why you're taking them, but you're not going to take any more.’ I replied, ‘I’m sorry you feel that way because I will be taking more, but I won't be taking any more dairy manufacturing courses.’ This decision involved some risk, as I needed a college degree to get my Air Force commission. However, I was confident that the Dean of Humanities and Science would approve a degree in photography. I scheduled an appointment and spoke with the dean. He said, ‘There is no problem; you almost have that done. You only need one more class, and I will ensure you get it scheduled.’ Consequently, my major changed from dairy manufacturing to photography.”

While at Utah State, Dad joined the Air Force ROTC. Out of 240 freshmen who enrolled, he was one of only 18 to qualify for a commission, even though commissions were available. However, before he received his Reserve Commission, Gerald was called to active duty in the United States Air Force in September 1957. He served for three years in the Reconnaissance Division in Sembach, Germany. After his service in Germany, he returned to Cache Valley and worked at Thiokol Chemical Corporation as a Senior Photographer, where he was responsible for creating a 1½-hour informational film about the making and use of the Minuteman Missile.

Gerald was later asked to move to Camden County, Georgia, to work on the Space Booster Program, building the world’s first solid-fuel rocket, the Atlas, the first Intercontinental Ballistic Missile for Strategic Air Command.

While living in Georgia, Gerald married his sweetheart, Ila Ree Jackson, on January 6, 1964. Their first son, Jack, was born in 1965, and shortly afterward, they moved back to Cache Valley, Utah.

The family later moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Gerald began a new position as Chief of the Audio-Visual Department at Kirtland Air Force Base. In this role, he was recognized for making his branch one of the most efficient in the Air Force and for developing a training program that transformed unskilled personnel into award-winning photographers. The Colonel and Base Commander at Kirtland AFB commended him for his “superior performance,” stating, "Your role as Chief of the Audio-Visual Branch was one of the most personally and professionally demanding duties on the base. Your executive, leadership, and management abilities set you apart and above others. I can personally testify that your professional performance, your personal love and compassion for others, and your initiative and leadership have earned the respect and admiration of all those associated with you."

The family remained in New Mexico until 1975, during which time their other three children, Randy, Teresa, and ValaRee, were born.
In 1975, the family moved to Tehachapi, California, a small rural, mountainous community that was perfect for raising a family. Over the years, they created many cherished memories, including restoring classic Ford Mustangs, horseback riding in the foothills, participating in church activities, baking chocolate chip cookies, playing basketball, and landscaping the yard—and many more activities that strengthened their family bond.

Gerald accepted a new position as Director of Audio Visual at Edwards Air Force Base, prompting the family's move to California. In this role, he was recognized for his leadership and support of the Space Shuttle Program. The Director of Audio-Visual Services, Office of Public Affairs, commended Gerald's coordination and problem-solving skills as "critical to the mission's success," calling it "the best joint effort I've experienced in my 34 years in government." General Thomas P. Stafford, who commanded Apollo X and later served as the Commanding General of Edwards AFB and the Experimental Flight Test Center, also praised Gerald's "exceptional managerial expertise," noting that his work "reflected most favorably upon the Center."

Gerald spent 33-years in civil service. His dedication to excellence led him to advance in his career. His final position in civil service was spent serving as a senior executive in the Business Management Office.

Gerald was a man of strong values, prioritizing family, faith, and country. He served in many callings within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, enjoyed teaching the Gospel, and took pride in his service. A true patriot, he proudly displayed the U.S. flag as a symbol of his love for his country. Family was central to Gerald's life, and he cherished time with his grandchildren, always saddened when visits ended.

Gerald was a cowboy at heart, easily recognized by his cowboy hat and boots. He loved horses and shared this passion with his family and community. He passed on his horsemanship skills to his children, and would sometimes let the kids ride their horses to school, bring the horses home, and then return to pick them up after school. The family often enjoyed riding together in the foothills of the Tehachapi Mountains, even going Christmas caroling on horseback.

Gerald will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. His passing leaves a gap in our family and lives that will never be filled.

He is survived by his younger brothers Ronald, Gaylen, and Daryl Reese; his children, Jack (Vicki), Randy, Teresa (Thom), and ValaRee; and eight grandchildren.