Arthur Clay (A.C.) Reel

Arthur Clay ‘Pete’ Reel, age 83, of rural Detroit, IL passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at Illini Community Hospital in Pittsfield.  He was born July 2, 1939 to Harry O. and Frances L. Ellis Reel at their home place in Toll Gate, IL.  A.C. married Norma Jean Shive on July 26, 1959 at the Detroit United Methodist Church, and she survives.

A.C. attended Toll Gate School. In his younger years, he played baseball, went on rabbit hunts and walked the woods looking for mushrooms. He graduated from Pittsfield High School with the class of 1957. Always a farm boy, A.C. began working at Pike County Farm Service in June 1962 until retirement in 2004 and was a Farm Bureau member. A.C. and Norma enjoyed square dancing and were members of Pike Promenaders.  He also enjoyed Tuesday night bowling league. A.C. was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed horseback riding on several trail rides. A highlight of Pete’s cowboy life was sitting around a campfire at Cedar Cave. He enjoyed roasting hot dogs, marshmallows, drinking hot chocolate, and sharing tales of the day under a full moon. His last beloved horse “Kitty” passed away December 2021. A.C. was a member of the Pike County Saddle Club. He enjoyed watching sports and was a lifelong Cardinal fan. A.C. could be found watching his granddaughters and great grandchildren playing basketball, soccer, softball, baseball, running track, performing in school plays, at dance recitals, and any other activity that they were involved in. 

A.C. is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Norma; his two sons, William ‘Billy’ Rodney Reel and Robert ‘Bob’ Clay Reel and wife, Gena; his two daughters, Rebecca ‘Becky’ Jean Thomas and husband, Berlyn and Rhonda Beth  Miller and husband, Russ; his grandchildren, Amber (Justin) Reel Poor, Ashley (Charlie) Reel Goetze, Lila (Bryan) Thomas Martin, Lucy Thomas Gordon, Delaney (Joe) Miller Martin, Reed Miller, and Skyler Reel; his great grandchildren, Aidan, Landon, and Lucas Poor, Renae and Raven Martin, Kaleb Gordon, Emersyn and Everly Goetze, and Brinley Martin; a sister, Leta Jean Daniels; a brother-in-law, Bill Christison; and numerous nephews and nieces.

A.C. was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Velma Christison and Lois Miller; and a brother, Harry Lee Reel.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 2:30 PM at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield with interment to follow at Blue River Cemetery near Detroit.  Visitation will be held prior to the service on Sunday from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at the funeral home.  Memorials are suggested to be made to Detroit United Methodist Church or Blue River Cemetery.  Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com.  Niebur Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

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