John F. Reus, III

John was born in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Towson High School, graduating in 1937. He studied at the Maryland Institute of Art from 1937-39, receiving a certificate in Commercial Art and was awarded a Peabody Prize. From 1968-73, John studied at Valencia Community College in Orlando, Florida, earning his Associates of Arts degree. John served in the Army during WWII from November 1941-January 1946, becoming part of the Medical Department and earning the rank of Technical Sergeant. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, an American Theater Ribbon, the American Defense Service Medal, an Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon, and a WWII Victory Ribbon. As a graphic artist, he had a long career with Martin Marietta Corporation beginning in Maryland in 1956. In 1957, he relocated to the Corporation’s new Orlando, Florida, location, working as a Technical Illustrator until 1986. He was awarded the Golden Achievement Award, Value Analysis in 1966. He made many drawings, cartoons, and paintings throughout his long life. The cartoons he drew while in the Army he sent home to his mother to reassure her. He took joy in creating clever cards for his family. He saved a series of Valentine’s Day cards he made for his wife of 72 years, Thelma S. Reus. He crafted rebus puzzles for his children, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He made holidays festive with his paintings and creations.

John was active throughout his life. He was a graceful swimmer and diver. He loved working in the yard and gardening, setting up a squirrel run in the backyard that included a painted mailbox for the squirrels to open for their peanuts, a delight to all who visited. John loved reading and was a lifelong learner. In retirement, he was a volunteer for Hospice of Central Florida. Always one to follow an orderly routine, in retirement he also enjoyed the cocktail hour at 4 PM. He was a steadfast husband and father, quiet in demeanor, a truly gentle man, yet strong in character.

John is survived by his wife, Thelma S. Reus, his son Brent Reus and wife, Yvonne, his daughter Sandy Register and husband, Sam, and his daughter Diane Reus and husband, Lewis Rosen, along with five grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and eight great-great-grandchildren. The family is grateful for those who helped provide loving care in his last days: Mary Noss, Executive Director, Heritage Waterside Luxury Senior Living, and Halifax Health Hospice Care Center, Port Orange, Florida. John asked that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held on Saturday, April 15, beginning at 1:00 pm at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home - Port Orange, 4815 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange. Friends and family are invited to attend and share stories and memories. Military honors will be rendered at 1:15 pm, with a gathering to follow.