Elliott Eugene Reiman, 89, fondly known as Gene, gently passed away at 8:46 am on March 18, 2012 at Memorial Hospital in his hometown of Chester, IL. Gene was a loving father and grandfather, a devoted teacher, a trusting friend, and a dedicated man of God. Born on the farm in Ava, Illinois on August 11, 1922, to Otis and Lillie (nee: Griffin) Reiman, Gene was brought into the world with a hard working spirit. He excelled in sports as a young man, playing baseball for his high school team. Gene was also passionate about learning and was the first member of his family to get a college education. His college experience was briefly interrupted when Gene was drafted into the U.S. Army Air Corps where he served as a Meteorologist from 1942-45 in World War II. Upon safely returning home, Gene graduated from Southern Illinois University and later earned a Master's Degree in both Mathematics and Physics. He dedicated his career to teaching others, and taught High School Physics and Math for 35 years, the majority at Chester High School from 1954 to 1986. Gene's greatest accomplishment as a teacher was raising his seven children - Carollyn, Melissa, Melanie, Mesha, Mynde, Matthew, and Micah. His love of learning often took the form of a summer road trip to a new part of the country, or an early morning lesson on the tennis court, or a game of Indian ball in the front yard. Crossword puzzles, dominoes, cards, and an array of board games were always present on Gene's kitchen table. Whatever the medium, Gene was always ready to teach his children a new skill, a new place, or a new word and always with patience and a gentle touch. Gene had many interests, but some of his favorites were Ham Radio, dancing, fishing, tennis, golf, crossword puzzles, reading, etc. Gene's ham radio handle, W9TAX was well known in Chester and around the world. Gene also took pride in his church and country as he was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the American Legion. Gene was born into the world with an incredible work ethic. He left this world with that same spirit, working crosswords, fishing, and planning a road trip in his final days. Always the teacher, Gene's mentoring spirit will continue in his surviving family members - Survivors: 3 Daughters: Carollyn Reiman Mesha Reiman Mynde Reiman 1 Son: Micah (Lauren) Reiman 1 Daughter-in-law: Amanda May 4 Grandchildren: Alex Peterson, Ashton Reiman, Henry Reiman and Lillie Reiman. Preceded in death by, but also touched by his love were his Parents, 1 Sister - Erma Jennings, 1 Brother - Bill Reiman, his Wife - Sue Reiman, 2 Daughters - Melanie and Melissa Reiman, 1 Son - Matthew Reiman and his Granddaughter - Carri Anne Peterson Funeral Service: 10:00 am Thursday, March 22, 2012 First United Methodist Church, Chester, Illinois Officiating: Rev. Keith Nations Visitation: Wednesday 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm Pechacek-McClure Funeral Home, Chester, Illinois Thursday, 9:00 am - 10:00 am First United Methodist Church, Chester, Illinois Interment: Evergreen Cemetery Chester, Illinois Memorials: Reiman Family Memorial Scholarship Fund or The First United Church Methodist Men
