I had that very experience three years ago when I took over the reins ofThe Armory Life.
I quickly learned how much I had missed not having the opportunity to meet him for myself.
When I say Bob Reese was universally admired, this is no exaggeration.
Bob Reese in 1963 on the family farm, with his three sons (from left to right) Dennis, Dave and Tom.
The loss felt in the town was palpable.
I also have had the opportunity to talk with Bobs other two sons, Dave and Tom.
In addition, I was able to speak with Colleen Reese, Daves wife.
The newly married couple of Bob and Carol Reese at their wedding. Bob was an active member of the National Guard at that time.
In my conversations with all of them, a portrait of the man began to emerge.
Bob was the life of the party, said Colleen Reese.
You did miss out by not getting to meet him.
A 16-year-old Bob Reese after winning the North American Junior Trapshooting Championship. His shotgun had his future wife’s name “Carol” engraved on it.
I believe that when people think of Bob, they smile.
She explained that he grew up in rural Colona, east of Moline.
Apparently, he spent a lot of his time in the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
Bob Reese would build a life’s career with firearms, first with Reese Surplus, Inc., and later with Springfield Armory.
It was during his high school years he realized he had a passion for trap shooting.
Upon his graduation from high school, Bob set out to find a career.
I discovered this when I asked Mrs. Reese about how she first met Bob.
So, he followed me until I stopped, which was at my home, she told me.
Then, he asked me on a date, she told me.
He came home on the troop train so they could get married.
Springfield Armory built its reputation on the M1A rifle, inspired by the U.S. Military’s M14 rifle. Dennis Reese is shown here inspecting samples.
The day after, they both headed back to California.
However, he never truly enjoyed any of these jobs, according to Mrs. Reese.
At this same time, the family moved back to Colona to help Bobs father out with his farm.
Bob Reese was an avid hunter and outdoorsman. Note the specially modifiedSpringfield Armory 1911-A2 S.A.S.S., a single-shot adaptation of the 1911.
He worked very hard at this, Mrs. Reese told me.
We were growing corn and beans, and the farm had hogs and cattle.
He was always so busy, fencing and farming.
The Reese boys and their father, Bob, worked diligently on the demilitarized surplus firearms he brought to the family farm.
And with a growing family to support, he knew he needed to figure out a different career path.
At first, he began selling farm equipment.
Those demilitarized guns still had valuable parts that could be removed and sold to surplus dealers and manufacturers.
Bob Reese left behind an indelible legacy, one that resonates not only in his beloved hometown, but also with Springfield Armory.
All of these guns were in large piles in the corn crib and other farm buildings on our farm.
This project quickly became a family effort.
There was no shortage of work to do on our farm after school!, he told me.
This work proved to be very successful, with a great deal of demand for these firearms parts.
I remember my father calling my mother and telling her that he thought this business had some exciting potential.
Military M14),M1 Garands, 1911 pistols and much more.
And Bob would continue to be a part of the companys growth for many years.
In fact, Bob would play a significant part in the development of Springfield Armorys earliest offerings.
Dad was constantly working on some project.
She told me that Bob knew they had made M1 Garands and kept persisting in asking.
This was his brainchild, Dave Reese told me.
He was always working on guns, modifying them, trying to get the most out of them.
Dad was a dreamer on a mission to succeed.
After having read this tribute to him, I hope you do as well.
