MAYS – David Lee Rea, 81, went home to be with the Lord on May 31, 2019. David was born on March 6, 1938, in Bentonville, Indiana to Paul and Ruth (Atkins) Rea. He spent most of his life living in Rush and Fayette counties.
David was a class of 1956 graduate of Connersville High School. He married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Mary Lou Geise on September 25, 1960, at the Bentonville Christian Church.
David worked hauling livestock and at NATCO before enlisting in the United States Air Force where he quickly advanced to Airman First Class. He served his country from 1959-1963.
David is best known for owning and operating Connersville Door Company for over 50 years.
He was a member of Center Christian Church for over 40 years. He was active in the church where had served as a deacon and taught Sunday School in the past. He was a former member of both the Bentonville Christian Church and Grace United Methodist Church. David loved listening to gospel music and worshipping his savior with his church family. He was always eager to share with anyone just how much Jesus had done for him.
Survivors include his wife of over 58 years, son, Jesse (Gretchen) Rea of Connersville; daughters, Kathy (Steven) Ingram of Soddy Daisy, TN, and Rebecca (Millard) Schutt of Rushville; sister, Marilyn Rea Sherwood. David will also be missed by nine grandchildren; brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many other family and friends.
Besides his parents, David was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Rea and two half-brothers, Wayne and Charles Eugene Rea.
To help with funeral expenses, contributions can be made to Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home P.O. Box 158 Dublin, Indiana 47335. Please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne to the funeral services as some family members are sensitive to smells.
Funeral services will be Thursday June 6th, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Center Christian Church, West of Mays Indiana at 9112 N. 50 W., Knightstown, IN 46148. Visitation will be at the church from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesday June 5th. Burial with military services will be conducted at the Bentonville Cemetery.