Obituary: George Rees, 82, of Ludington

George Rees

Obituary: George Rees, 82, of Ludington

George Lee Rees, 82, residing in Michigan during the summer and Nevada in the winter, passed away on Wednesday, December 28, 2022. 

George was born on October 18, 1940, the son of James “Jim” Earnest Rees and Gladys Irene (Smith) Rees. In 1958, George graduated from Ludington High School. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey, working in operations intelligence. In 1962, he was honorably discharged, and moved back to Ludington. On July 17, 1962, George married Barbara May (Buffum) Rees. Together they were able to share 58 years together. They shared their ups and downs, but George was always loyal, faithful, and true. He never gave up easily or quit. For over 30 years, George had been employed by CamShaft Specialties/Weyburn, where he was the supervisor. In 1999, he was able to retire. He will always be remembered by his coworkers at Weyburn as a hard worker, and someone who will always be held close. 

George was a member of Ludington Methodist Church, Pahrump Valley Methodist, and Muskegon Eagles. George was known as the life of the party! He was sociable and outgoing, and loved being around his family and friends. He made sure everyone was always laughing and having a good time. Some of those good times were enjoyed with a beer in his hand. He would drop everything to ensure his family and friends were always taken care of. When George wanted some time to himself, he would hop on his motorcycle and just start riding. On three different occasions, he ended up riding all the way to California. George also liked to play a round (or two) of golf on nice days. 

George is survived by his wife of 58 years, Barbara May (Buffum) Rees; children, Steven (Wendy) McLellen, Michelle Johnson and foster-children, Jay and Theresa; grandchildren, Rory (Kayla) Walkley, Megan Johnson, Rudy Walkley, Kalynn (Matt) Latsh, and Cierra (Tyler) Cornwall; great-grandchildren, Leland Walkley, Lennon VanDonkelaar, Lyric Latsch, River Latsch and Mia Wright; brother; John “Teddy” Rees of Washington state and half brothers and sisters; many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  

George was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Gladys Rees; brother, Jim; sister-in-law, Roseann; brother-in-law, Martin Buffum; and many aunts, uncles and grandparents. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 2 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association or The American Legion Post #76. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home of Ludington, www.OakGroveLudington.com.