Garrett Hill Reasoner Jr.

Garrett “Buzz” Hill Reasoner, Jr., peacefully passed away due to complications from Alzheimer’s in Lebanon (outside Indianapolis), Indiana on March 8, 2024. He was 87. Buzz was born in Hartford City, Indiana on August 6, 1936, to Garrett and Esther Reasoner. He was the oldest of three children, brother to Phillip and Janalynn. He spent a few years living in Elwood, Indiana as well as Fort Myers, Florida. However, most of his youth and the stories he would share were spent helping his parents at their family-friendly fishing lodge in Hayward, Wisconsin where he gained his appreciation for exploring the outdoors, fishing, helping guests and yes, shoveling snow. A summer internship while in college at Ball State University led him to a career in banking. Buzz worked for the U.S. Treasury Department as a National Bank Examiner and for 10 years as a Senior Lending Officer at the Marion National Bank in Indiana. In 1972, he and his wife Ann purchased The Pelican Hotel & Restaurant in Fort Myers Beach, Florida—then a sleepy summer town that came to life in the winter months thanks to snowbirds who flocked to enjoy steak, seafood, all-you-can-eat rib specials and sunsets overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Guests staying in the hotel and cottages became family, coming every winter, year after year. The couple sold the Pelican and retired in 1988. Buzz was a leader and a visionary in his career and volunteer roles spanning his lifetime. He worked hard to make a difference in every city he called home. Most notable and dear to his heart was serving in leadership roles for the United Way, serving as president of three Chambers of Commerce, co-president of his condo board and serving 20+ years on the board of Lee Healthcare Resources helping to establish Cypress Cove, a premiere Fort Myers retirement community. After Ann’s passing, Buzz married Judy Shuck of Indianapolis, Indiana and enjoyed a second life, boating, traveling, attending film festivals, the theater, volunteering, and spending time with family and friends while splitting time between their Indiana and Florida homes. Buzz was known for his quick-witted humor; he was always true to his word and a loyal friend and husband. He loved fishing, sailing, golfing, woodworking, hard work and helping others but loved his family first and was deeply proud of all of them. Garrett, Buzz, Dad and Papa will be missed dearly, and will forever remain a constant in our hearts. He leaves behind his wife of over 20 years, Judy Reasoner, his three children, J Christopher Reasoner, (Mary), Laura Grant (Scott), Heidi Wood (Michael), his stepdaughter Lara Vielee (Schuyler Schmitt),12 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and his sister Janalynn Brink. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM at the Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33908. Family and friends wishing to visit with Buzz’s family are welcome to come before the service at 9:30 AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association. https://tinyurl.com/AlzAssocReasoner