Roland Reece Garren

The son of William Franklin and Lydia Grace Garren, Reece was born in Arkansas but moved with his family to Odessa, Texas, before starting school. His beloved sisters Mary Townzen and Wanda Schneider and brother Billy Garren predeceased him.

A devoted husband and father, Reece married Jean Kizziar in 1952 and they together raised three children, Michael, Gail and Joy, while stationed in Japan, Hawaii, Ohio, Texas, Maryland and Tennessee, retiring to Austin in 1980. After Jean’s untimely death in 1990, Reece in 1997 married Ruth Massie. Ruth and Reece lived in Austin’s Bannockburn neighborhood, bowling in leagues, hosting regular card parties and staying closely involved with their blended families. Ruth died in July of this year.

Reece received a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Texas Tech University after joining the United States Air Force in 1951. Serving in Korea, Japan and Vietnam, Reece worked as a navigator, instructor, examiner and civil engineering staff officer, rising to the rank of full colonel before retiring from active duty in 1980. From 1972 to 77 he managed construction of aerodynamic and propulsion wind tunnels at the Arnold Engineering Development Center in Tullahoma, Tennessee and in 1977-78 served as the commanding officer of Eielson Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Legion of Merit and a score of other decorations for service above and beyond the call of duty.

Reece was an enthusiastic golfer, bowler, hunter and angler and a longtime member and officer of the Capitol Rod and Gun Club of Austin. A friend to many, Reece will be remembered for his concern for others and a deep personal humility.

Reece is survived by his daughter Gail Smith, stepson Michael Garren, stepdaughter Robin Massie Condy, stepson Dale Massie, and eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the caregivers with Brookdale Home Health Care, the folks at Accent Home Health Care and Melissa Rodriguez for the compassionate care they provided over the last year,to neighbors Catherine and Alex Kim, Susan Jenkins , and a special thanks to David and Margaret Bertelson for their steady friendship and support.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home and Memorial Park, located at 6300 West William Cannon Drive, Austin, Texas 78749 (512-892-1172). Go to the main building and park in the open lot.

Reece’s favorite charity was the Wounded Warriors Project for those wishing to honor his memory with a donation in his name.