Mr. William Harold Rees

September 16, 1926 - March 25, 2015

William "Bill" Harold Rees, 88, of Franklin and formerly of Butlerville passed away at 8:55 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Indiana Masonic Home in Franklin.

Born September 16, 1926 in Nebraska, Indiana, Bill was the son of the late Arch Harold and Louise Ernstine Struben Rees. At 17 years of age Bill enlisted in the United States Navy serving in World War II. Mr. Rees was employed from 1949 until 1975 as a B&O Railroad Postal Clerk. Later, from 1976 until 1978 he was the owner of the store in Zenas while also serving as the Jennings County Circuit Court Bailiff. Beginning in 1978, Bill went to work for the Jennings County Highway Department where he remained until 1988. From 1992 until 1996 he served as the Trustee for Campbell Township as well as serving from 1972 until 1992 as a Precinct Committee member.

Mr. Rees had been a member of the Free Masons for over 60 years and had served as the Past Master and Past Secretary of the Butlerville Lodge. He was also involved in the Scottish Rite, the Shriners, the Royal Arch Chapter #113, VFW Post 2021 as well as being an honorary member at several area Masonic lodges.

He is survived by a nephew, Calvin D. Rees Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK and a cousin, Kathleen Kaiser of North Vernon.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arch and Louise Rees as well as a brother, Calvin Rees and sister, Rosalind Rees.

Funeral Information

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2015 at Sawyer-Pickett Funeral & Cremation Services in North Vernon with Rev. Marvin Wright officiating. Visitation will be from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home with a Masonic Service at 5:30 p.m. Interment will be at Otter Creek Cemetery with military graveside honors provided by VFW Post 2021.

Donations Information

Memorials may be made through the funeral home to the Indiana Masonic Home or Otter Creek Baptist Church.