06/24/1991
Services for Richard T. Brees, of Phoenix, Ariz., who passed away June 24, 1991 in Phoenix of a heart attack, were held June 28 at the First Assembly of God Church in Knoxville. Arrangements were handled by Bybee and Davis Funeral Home.
Rev. L.H. Swartzendruber officiated at the service. Music was provided by organist Pauline Pitt and vocalists Gloria Jordan and Dana Jordan.
Richard was born on March 9, 1934 in Knoxville, the son of Ocie and Zelie Herduin Brees. He grew up on his fathers farm south of Knoxville where he learned to love rural life and farm animals, especially horses. He never lost the desire to return to the life of a farm centered home.
Richard attended elementary school at the rural Valley School, House, which is now preserved as part of local history at Marion County Park.
He furthered his education at the Knoxville High School before entering the Army. As an engine maintenance specialist he sharpened skills of another interest that he pursued the rest of his life. Also while serving in the Army he participated as part of the force used to quiet racial unrest in Little Rock, Ark.
Following military service, Richard worked at various jobs including Van Ginkel Produce, Dr. Garrett’s optical lab, his own tune-up shop, before taking a position as mechanic at Crescent Chevrolet which he held for 13 years.
Moving on to sales and then to Service Manager at Bob Brown Chevrolet. Richard purchased a farm north of Sandyville in 1976 to provide for his family the same things he loved as a boy.
Seven years ago Richard moved to Phoenix to start a trucking operation where he worked until his passing.
Richard was a people person who never knew a stranger
He was very family oriented and provided the intangibles of love and affection that makes home life so very special. All that knew him, loved him.
Preceding him in death were his parents and one brother, James.
Surviving are his wife, Donna; two daughters September and Sherry of Phoenix; two sons, Tim of Herford, Tex. and Ron of Phoenix. Also surviving are two brothers, Charles Brees of Chariton and Leo Brees of Knoxville and a sister Frances Kain of Knoxville.
A memorial has been established to the American Heart Association.