David Marquis Reser

David Marquis Reser, 90, of Russiaville, passed peacefully at home with family at his side at 11:07 a.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022.  He was born January 8, 1932, in Russiaville, to Fray Owen and Sylvia Estline (Crawford) Reser.  On May 11, 1951, he married Betty Irene Smith, in Logansport, and she preceded him in death on December 27, 2015.

David graduated from Western High School in 1950 and went on to serve in the United States Army, where he served in the Korean War.  He became a certified machinist and journeyman and worked as a machine repairman at Chrysler from 1963 until his retirement in 1996.  He also worked for the Nickel Plate Railroad and Cuneo Press and was a farmer all his life.  He served as the Howard County Monroe Township Trustee and was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge #283 in New London, the Scottish Rite, the Russiaville Eastern Star and Faith Church of Christ in Burlington.

He and Betty were foster parents and had fostered many children throughout the years.  David was awarded volunteer of the year for the Salvation Army and was a Little League coach and mentor for over 40 years.  He began coaching in Forest and continued in Russiaville where the minor league baseball field is dedicated in his name.  David was very proud that the home he lived in his entire life was awarded the Hoosier Homestead Award for being in his family for more than a century.   He cherished his family and was a loving husband, father and grandfather.  He enjoyed his grandkids, coaching, farming, attending auctions and serving the community.  He was a blessing to all who knew him, and he walked by faith.  He will truly be missed by all.

Survivors include his children, David Michael (Jeannie) Reser, Jill Anne (Michael) Deis, Dana Rene (Sonya) Reser, Jimmy (Rynee) Reser and LeAnn (Brad) Collett; grandchildren, Jody Deford, Sarah Eaker, Sandy Kay Bookmiller, Peggy Irene Armstrong, Marquis Owen Reser, Alex Ward, Nicholas Hunter, Brandi Tressler, Zac Reser and Kyle Tinker; great-grandchildren, Rachel Harrington, Draven Eaker, Aden Michael Bookmiller, Cole Wayne Armstrong, Sylvia Armstrong, Sierra Reser, Shayla Ashley, Austin Hunter, Mathew Morgan, Collin Morgan, Abby Morgan, Karsen Reser, Cooper Reser, Rilynn Tinker and Mason Tinker; great-great-grandchildren, Hayden and Easton Harrington; sister, Barbara Hatfield; several nieces and nephews; and his dog and best friend, Buddy, or as David called him “my old partner”.

In addition to his wife, Betty Reser, he was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Fray Reser Jr., Virginia Mary Butcher and Chester Reser.

The family would like to thank Brooke Armfield, who with her home health services and kindness to our father allowed us the possibility to keep him at home, Pastor Roy Rogers, Dr. Westrom and his staff and Compassus Hospice.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, January 28, 2022, at Faith Church of Christ, 1701 S. Michigan St., Burlington, with Pastor Roy Rogers officiating.  Burial will follow in Russiaville Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Army and the Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at the church where there will be a Masonic service at 7 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Russiaville Ball Park or the Salvation Army.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Stout & Son Funeral Home in Russiaville.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.