Paul Edward Rees

Paul Edward Rees of Nixa, Missouri, went home to be with his Lord Jesus on November 25, 2016 at the age of 90. He was born in Windsor, Illinois to Lowell Carroll Rees and Lillian Mae Reynolds on March 16, 1926. His early life included some interludes of living in the Nixa community where his father's family resided. He grew up with his brother, Gordon, who preceded him in death in 1967. He married Naomi Ruth Harrington of Jamesport, Missouri, on August 10, 1948 and they made their home near his parents in central Illinois. To this union were born Carlos Berton, Douglas Edward, Sonja Gayle, and Thomas Edgar. In 1963 the lure of the Ozarks and ancestral family ties of Reeses and Inmans drew them back to "the promised land." Although he worked at other jobs including Fasco Industries in Ozark, he always considered himself to be "an ol' farmer boy," and was well-known for his favorite blue-striped overalls. His beloved Naomi Ruth went on ahead of him to heaven on October 22, 2006 after 58 years of marriage. Paul and Naomi were committed followers of Christ and found sweet fellowship and brotherhood with several congregations in the Windsor and Sullivan, Illinois; Nixa, Ozark, and Springfield, Missouri areas during their lifetimes. No one was a stranger to Paul. He could make a friend in a matter of minutes and would always give a hug as he took his leave. He was an avid reader and loved to share favorite books with others. In the years after Naomi died, he so enjoyed his Wal-Mart community. He would often walk there with his "four�-wheeled walker" and spend hours "trading" and visiting with his many friends and acquaintances. Such a story-teller he was! In his last months, walking was painful, but now he is tap dancing, bending the ears of precious loved ones with his tales, and leading the angels in hymn singing! He took great pride in his family all the way back to his great-grandfather Nicholas Alexander Inman for whom Nixa was named. He is survived by his four children and their spouses-Carlos and Brenda Rees of Nixa; Doug Rees of Tahlequah, Oklahoma; Sonja and Randy Baldwin of Highlandville; and Tom and Beverly Rees of Shell Knob; ten grandchildren and their spouses; nineteen great-grandchildren; three dear sisters-in law-Emily and Ruth Harrington of Jamesport, Missouri and Nona Harrington of Cross Timbers, Missouri; cousins, nephews and nieces. He will be greatly missed by his beloved family, his many friends, and brothers and sisters in Christ. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Monday, November 28, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa. Burial will follow in Payne Cemetery, Nixa. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM Sunday in the funeral home, www.adamsfuneralhome.net.