Glenn Lee Rees, 53, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday afternoon, March 18, 2011. His life was a courageous journey that glorified his Heavenly Father. Glenn was born in Covina, California on October 28, 1957. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Rees and mother, Vivian Rees.
Glenn is survived by, Diane, the love of his life and wife of 32 years. He lives on through his wonderfully devoted children, Jonathan, Brandon and his wife Kristen and his youngest son David. He is also survived by his loving sister, Rita Schoppe, her husband, Mark and their son, Steven of Bartlett, Illinois. Glenn was a truly a brother to his five sister-in-laws, Jane Boullion, husband Jim, Doris Birrenkott, husband Russ, Jennifer Roth, husband Kevin, Debra Woodlee and Jodine Thieme, husband Ross. He was also a loving uncle to Jason, Megan, Amanda, Jacob, Whitney, Matthew, Nolan and Calvin all of Middleton, Wisconsin. He will be dearly missed by his best friends, Andy and Jan Grepares along with their children Matthew and Nathan.
Glenn met his wife, Diane, in 1972 at a youth function at the First Baptist Church of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. They both were members of a youth praise band named, “Sweet Spirit”. Diane sang and Glenn played the drums. From this, their romance blossomed and they married in September 1978.
For most of Glenn’s career he was employed by the cooling tower industry. He was very passionate for his work and was employed in many capacities. Throughout his involvement with the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI), he served as a Board Member and also as President. He called many of these colleagues his friends. Throughout Glenn’s life he was actively involved in many activities including serving as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT, a foster parent, a ‘Big Brother’, a youth leader, a Sunday School teacher and a Free Mason. He was also an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America and a Cypress Falls High School Band Booster. He could always be found volunteering wherever his children were involved.
Glenn was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church Spring Branch and also served in that capacity at Copperfield Church. Glenn was passionate about music and used his love of drumming to glorify God while part of Copperfield Church’s praise band.
After becoming paralyzed in 2005, Glenn started his calling as ‘Olddrummer on Wheels’. His passion was to reach out to those recently injured and he offered encouragement and support to those beginning the journey down a new and unfamiliar road. He also taught a patient education class at The Institute of Research and Rehabilitation (TIRR) in Houston, Texas.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Flora Carter for her loving care of Glenn (her big brother) for over 5 years. Glenn was blessed with an abundance of loving care from many medical personnel throughout the years. We would also like to thank Dr. Edward Rensimer for his exceptional care and tireless efforts for Glenn. Lastly, we would like to thank our church family for their endless prayers, kindness and loving support.
Despite the challenges in his life, Glenn was always able to encourage others to find strength in God and deepen their faith by his example. This will be his enduring legacy.
A.L.O.H.A. (a life of hope awaits).
Visitation will be at Copperfield Church Friday, March 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A service to celebrate the life of Glenn Rees will be held at Copperfield Church Saturday, March 26, at 10:30 AM.
Memorials may be made to Copperfield Church in Glenn’s name.
Copperfield Church
Copperfield Church
Fields Store Cemetery
Glenn Lee Rees, 53, went to be with his Lord and Savior Friday afternoon, March 18, 2011. His life was a courageous journey that glorified his Heavenly Father. Glenn was born in Covina, California on October 28, 1957. He was preceded in death by his father, Leo Rees and mother, Vivian Rees.
Glenn is survived by, Diane, the love of his life and wife of 32 years. He lives on through his wonderfully devoted children, Jonathan, Brandon and his wife Kristen and his youngest son David. He is also survived by his loving sister, Rita Schoppe, her husband, Mark and their son, Steven of Bartlett, Illinois. Glenn was a truly a brother to his five sister-in-laws, Jane Boullion, husband Jim, Doris Birrenkott, husband Russ, Jennifer Roth, husband Kevin, Debra Woodlee and Jodine Thieme, husband Ross. He was also a loving uncle to Jason, Megan, Amanda, Jacob, Whitney, Matthew, Nolan and Calvin all of Middleton, Wisconsin. He will be dearly missed by his best friends, Andy and Jan Grepares along with their children Matthew and Nathan.
Glenn met his wife, Diane, in 1972 at a youth function at the First Baptist Church of Hoffman Estates, Illinois. They both were members of a youth praise band named, “Sweet Spirit”. Diane sang and Glenn played the drums. From this, their romance blossomed and they married in September 1978.
For most of Glenn’s career he was employed by the cooling tower industry. He was very passionate for his work and was employed in many capacities. Throughout his involvement with the Cooling Technology Institute (CTI), he served as a Board Member and also as President. He called many of these colleagues his friends. Throughout Glenn’s life he was actively involved in many activities including serving as a volunteer fire fighter and EMT, a foster parent, a ‘Big Brother’, a youth leader, a Sunday School teacher and a Free Mason. He was also an active leader in the Boy Scouts of America and a Cypress Falls High School Band Booster. He could always be found volunteering wherever his children were involved.
Glenn was ordained as a deacon at First Baptist Church Spring Branch and also served in that capacity at Copperfield Church. Glenn was passionate about music and used his love of drumming to glorify God while part of Copperfield Church’s praise band.
After becoming paralyzed in 2005, Glenn started his calling as ‘Olddrummer on Wheels’. His passion was to reach out to those recently injured and he offered encouragement and support to those beginning the journey down a new and unfamiliar road. He also taught a patient education class at The Institute of Research and Rehabilitation (TIRR) in Houston, Texas.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Flora Carter for her loving care of Glenn (her big brother) for over 5 years. Glenn was blessed with an abundance of loving care from many medical personnel throughout the years. We would also like to thank Dr. Edward Rensimer for his exceptional care and tireless efforts for Glenn. Lastly, we would like to thank our church family for their endless prayers, kindness and loving support.
Despite the challenges in his life, Glenn was always able to encourage others to find strength in God and deepen their faith by his example. This will be his enduring legacy.
A.L.O.H.A. (a life of hope awaits).
Visitation will be at Copperfield Church Friday, March 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A service to celebrate the life of Glenn Rees will be held at Copperfield Church Saturday, March 26, at 10:30 AM.
Memorials may be made to Copperfield Church in Glenn’s name.
Copperfield Church
8350 Hwy 6 N, Houston, TX 77095.
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Diane,
Sheryl and I are keeping you and the guys in our prayers. We will miss Glenn. His steadfast faith in spite of of everything he faced over the last few years made an impression on me. He truly was a man I looked up to. I can only bide the time until I see him again in Glory.
John Jackson & family
Diane and family,
Though it was only a few times we were able to get together in person, you were and are thought of often in our hearts. Glenn was a fun and loving person to be around and will be missed. We are sending healing prayers to all of you in this moment of grief.
Love you, Roxanne and Dave Aehl
Diane,
It was such a pleasure to be able to take part in Glenn's care. He has touched all of our lives here and is a true testament to strength. Miranda and I are both praying for you and your boys. Glenn taught us a lot about the human spirit. He was such a blessing to have as a patient, always positive and so kind. My prayers are with you...
Lisa Burleson
Glenn has been in my life since I was seven or eight years old, as he and Diane began dating in high school! I grew up with him; he was like the biological brother I never had. He was a role model to me, in so many ways! I will miss the blessing of having him in my life! One day we will meet again, in heaven. With that knowledge, I have hope and comfort. Love you, Glenn.
To the Rees family,
though sorry to hear of Glenn's passing, I consider it an honor to have known him. His ability to make the best of a very difficult situation for him and his family will be a memory that I will treasure and which will serve as inspiration.
Glenn lives on through his wife and sons.
May God grant you grace, peace and serenity during this difficult time.
Warmest Regards,
Tom Todd
Simpsonville, SC
Dear Diane and Brandon,
I have known Glen through CTI for many many years. I best remember him a collegue, associate and friend. Although we usually only saw each other twice a year, each time it was just like it was day before. I am especially greatful to Glen in his support of CTI as Program Chairperson, Long Range Planning Chairperson and many other Chair positions so many that I don't remember them all. I will miss his willingness to take on any job no matter how big or small. Sue and I wish to convey our condolenses to you and the rest of your family. Glen will be missed by his friends at CTI.
Denny and Sue Shea
Diane, Jonathan, Brandon and David
Your husband and dad was very special to us as you are also. We shared many tears, but also many laughs. Throughout Glenn's last years - we drew closer together. My prayer HAS always been for him to be able to walk again. My prayers have been answered. He is now able to do all the things we take for granted, but in the presence of our Lord. He has raised 3 fine young men and you will no doubt raise beautiful children of your own one day. Diane, you are an amazing woman. You were Glenn's biggest fan. You loved, cared, fought, cried and stood by him everyday (and he knew it!). Glenn and I would pray and talk about life and what was God trying to accomplish through Glenn's situation. We may not have figured it ALL out, but Glenn never second guessed God and His plans. We all love you - including Wim, Drew and Campbell and expect to spend lots of time with all of you in the years to come.
Dear Diane and sons,
With great sorrow I received the news. My heart and prayers are with you. Glenn was a patient from whom I learned so much. I learned about human strength, love, perseverance.
He came always with optimism to the clinic, always with a smile. Always with one of you at his side as opposed to many other patients that don't have a caring family like yours.
It was an honor having cared for him. It was an honor having met all of you.
Diane and family,
Glenn was a huge inspiration to me! When we were in TIRR together I looked up to his positive attitude.. his jokes to keep the mood light.. the fight he had in him for recovery.. and the love he had for his family! Glenn was a great man, and I know he is in Heaven watching over you still today!
Glenn made the most out of his injury, and always had a great attitude when we would get together for lunch when I was in town. I am a better person because of him and will miss him always. I know however we will see him again someday in Heaven.
Glenn made such a huge impact on my life that I can only hope to be the man he was, to help others as he did, to be a Godly man and to keep the positive attitude no matter what.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Love you guys...
Bryan Richardson
The Rees Family,
My family will keep yours in our prayers. We're very sorry for your loss.
Ben Hurbrough
Labay Band Student
Before I moved to away from Houston Glenn thanked me for being a good friend to his sons. Of all the moments I remember of him, I think about his face saying goodbye to me. Glenn was encouraging even though it may seem that he would need the encouragement. That is a testimony to the strength that he allowed the Lord to place in his heart.
I love the Rees family. May God be the God of Comfort in this time.
Hey Bud, thanks for being a good friend. I always enjoyed getting together to talk about business, family and the Lord. You were an inspiration after your accident and I reflect on our conversations often. Until we meet again…
Diane and boys,
We were so shocked and saddened to read about Glenn's death. We think about you guys often. We lost Bryan almost eight years ago, so we know what a long journey this will mean for all of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Donna, Charles, and Brandon Mancuso
Diane & Boys, We're so sorry about the loss of Glenn. He was a super guy. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. With Deepest Sympathy, Love, cousin Jean & Brad
Glenn was a true friend. We visited Glenn, Diane, and the boys very shortly after they moved to Houston, as I recall.
They became interested and joined First Baptist Church, Spring Branch. Althought we were older, more like Father and Mother figures, we were graciously accepted by them.
Glenn and Diane became good friends with Andy and Jan Grepares, who were also members of FBCSB at the time.
Diane, we continue to pray for you, Jonathan, Brandon, and David during the days to come.
Here is a little something you might want to keep:
THE DASH
Glenn Rees
October 28, 1957 – March 18, 2011
I read of a reverend who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the date on his tombstone. From the Beginning... to the End
He noted that first came the date of his birth and spoke of the date with tears.
But, he said, what mattered most was the dash between those years.
For the dash represents all the time he spent alive on earth.
And now only those who loved him know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters is how we lived, and loved, and how we spent our dash.
So think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change?
For you never know how much time is left, you could be at dash mid-range.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real,
and always understand the way other people feel.
Be less quick to anger, show appreciation more.
Love the people in our life like we’ve never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, more often wear a smile,
remembering this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is read, your life’s actions to rehash,
Would you be pleased with the little things they say about how you spent…
Your Dash?
From Theo & Lynn Blue
On behalf of my entire family, I want to thank you and your staff for your excellent and caring service.
Thank you for all you did to make our mother's funeral special, dignified, and easy for us.
I just can't express to you enough how much we appreciated the kindness and professionalism my family experienced with you and your staff.
Thank you for treating my beloved mother with honor and respect all throughout the process.
Our family will be forever grateful to the owner and staff at Beresford Funeral Services for the excellent services they provided to our family upon the death of our loved one. Everything went smoothly. The planning was easy with everything needed for the funeral provided on sight at reasonable prices with no pressure to spend more than planned. They were flexible with our personal plans, very kind, and considerate from beginning to end. We would definitely recommend Beresford Funeral Services to anyone in need of funeral services.
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