Bill Roper Reece, age 84, of Warsaw, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, with his family by his side. He was born on September 7, 1940, to William Alvis Reece and Florence Sue Roper Reece in Vansant, Missouri.
Bill was a beloved brother to the late John Reece and is survived by his sister, Anne Reynolds. He was a devoted husband to Nell (Connolly) Reece for 34 years, until her passing in 1995. In 1996, he married Kathleen (Utterback) Reece, and they shared 29 cherished years together.
He was a loving father to Jill (Mark) Kollmann, Steve (Julie Beth) Reece, and Jan (Mark) Baker, and a proud stepfather to Marguerite (Bill) Bayles and the late Michael Adams. Known as “Papa Bill,” he was adored by his grandchildren: Evan (Jessica) Kollmann, Emily (Nick) Zabel, Elyssa Kollmann, Brittney (Ben) Lemons, Lauren (Alex) Holt, Hannah (Nate) Bauser, Bo (Jamie) McDonald, Kayla Beth (Trent) Hunter, Billy (Lauren) Bayles, Jake Bayles, Tiffany (Aaron) Taylor, Mariah (Nick) Adams, Matthew Adams, and Madysen (Mason) Adams. He was also blessed with 22 great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly.
Bill began his married life with Nell on September 25, 1960. The couple moved to central Illinois, where he spent 35 years working at Caterpillar. Despite his demanding job, Bill always made time for his family—especially during vacations to Missouri and memorable holidays spent outdoors, camping, and fishing.
After retiring, he returned to Missouri and found joy with Kathleen in trail riding, fishing, deer hunting, traveling, and raising draft mules. Kathleen and Bill were married on April 20, 1996. He remained active well into his later years and still cared for two mules on his farm. An avid animal lover, Bill enjoyed coon and bird hunting, cared deeply for dogs and horses, and was active in showing quarter horses and racing ponies and standardbreds.
Bill’s love for music was lifelong. He played the sousaphone in high school and was a member of the University of Missouri Marching Tigers, performing in the Orange Bowl Parade two years in a row. A man of deep faith, he served many years as a song leader and choir director in the churches he attended.
Bill will be remembered for his faith in Jesus, his devotion to family, and the legacy of love, strength, and kindness he leaves behind. His family takes comfort knowing they will one day be reunited with him in heaven.
Funeral services will be held at Reser Funeral Home in Warsaw, Missouri, on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM.
