Douglas Edward Rees of Rose, Oklahoma died April 30, 2018, after a long illness.
Doug was born in Shelbyville, Illinois May 9, 1951, to Paul Edward and Naomi Harrington Rees. He moved with his family to their ancestral home of Nixa in 1963, and spent his early life there. Doug graduated from Nixa High School in 1969, and went on to attend Southwest Missouri State University, now known as MSU. Always a hard worker, Doug began doing farm work on the family farm, as well as hiring out to neighboring farmers in his teen years. Doug loved ranching and raising cattle.
It was rare to see Doug without his cowboy hat, and in later years, without a long, white beard. He loved a good deal and was known for his integrity. Doug lived in the Spokane/Highlandville area for a number of years. He then moved his cattle operation to Lockwood, until he bought his dream ranch in Rose, Oklahoma near Tahlequah. Doug had many friends in all walks of life, because he was a faithful friend. The words tough and tender could be used to describe him. Usually soft-spoken, Doug had a dry humor that stayed with him to the very end. Doug was generous and caring, driving miles to see a sick friend or lend a hand. He loved his family in practical ways and considered his friends to be family. Doug wasn’t someone you could put in a box. He was a free spirit who loved freely. Doug loved God, his family, his country, and his cattle. He made it clear going into this journey a year ago that his faith in God was strong and his hope of Heaven sure.
Doug’s parents, Paul and Naomi Rees of Highlandville, preceded him in death. Doug is survived by his daughters Lillian “Muffy” Fitzpatrick and husband Daren of Highlandville, Annastasia “Cuppy” Juede and husband Arthur “Butch” of Ozark and Libby Gayle Singleton of Bolivar; sons James and David Rees of Highlandville; grandchildren Dylan and Derek Fitzpatrick, Lillian and Trevor Arnall, Chloe, Andrea and Alicia Juede and Seanna Benson; two brothers, Carlos Rees and wife Brenda of Nixa and Tom Rees and wife Beverly of Shell Knob; one sister, Sonja Baldwin and husband Randy of Highlandville; many nieces and nephews; as well as special aunts and cousins in the Harrington clan; a lifetime of wonderful friends; and his horse, Blackey, of 27 years.
The Bible tells us that “God owns the cattle on a thousand hills.” Now, He has someone to take care of them.
