Eugene Elliott Reece, Sr., a loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather and friend departed this life Friday, January 16, 2009.
Eugene was born to Samuel Reece, Jr. and Willie Lee Reece on March 16, 1948. His mother preceded him in his home Going.
He leaves to celebrate his life his wife, Janet L. (Bush) Reece of 41 years, two sons, Eugene II and Andre T.; his father, Samuel Jr., mother, Doris; six brothers Reginald (Elizabeth), Eric (Jeanett) of Phoenix, Ariz, Samuel III of Honolulu, Hawaii, Kenneth Thurman (Lisa) of Albany, N.Y., Kelvin of Los Angeles, Calif. and Edward (Christina) of St. Louis. Two brothers-in-law, Alvin Bush and Michael Bush (Ann); and one sister-in-law, Joan Glasby (Gary); five grandchildren, Alexandrea and Samuel IV of Mt. Vernon, Ill., Cameron, Evan and McKenna; two goddaughters Vanita Triplett, Kim Morgan; four godsons, Edward Brown, Michael Campbell, Timothy Harris and Gregory Triplett; and one grand goddaughter, Krista Cook. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and relatives.
The second of seven sons, Eugene was born and raised in St. Louis. He was indeed a free spirit who enjoyed life, helping others and always had a smile for you. He sought God at an early age and remained a faithful African Methodist Episcopalian until his death. He served on the Steward Board at St. Peter’s AME for 16 years and as Pro-Tem for 12 years.
Reece was a graduate of the Southern Police Institute, University of Louisville’s School of Justice Administration, College of Urban and Public Affairs.
He had a revolving door. If you needed a place to stay, he provided shelter. If you were hungry, he fed you. If you needed a job he would help you find one. His door was never closed. He had a wit about him that would keep you laughing.
He retired from the St. Louis metropolitan Police Department after 35 years of service as a police officer. He also served as commander of the 1st and 2nd Districts, Juvenile and the Public Affairs Information Division, where he was instrumental in developing and implementing the first Police Citizens Academy offering credit in the United States.
After retirement he became Manager of Security and Fare enforcement for Metro (Bi State Development Agency). In 2006, he became the Executive Director of Safety and Security for the St. Louis Public Schools.
Eugene has been involved in numerous projects and groups. They include the St. Peters Boys to Men program, the Foster Care Coalition, Big Brother/Big Sister’s, “Do The right Thing,” the Boy Scouts of America Explorer Program and Advisory Board, the U-City Sports Association; director, manager and coach for the Police Athletic League (PAL) and a speaker for the U.S. Department of Education. Eugene was a registered Sports Official for Missouri and Illinois High Schools, the NCAA and the NAIA Conferences.
Eugene was involved in a number of law enforcement professional organizations. He has served as President of the St. Louis Ethical Police Society, board member of the National Black Police Association, the Missouri Narcotics Officers Association and the Diversity Training committee for the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.
Eugene is author of the “Parent’s Yellow Pages”, a resource guide for parents and with several articles published in national publications. In 1994, the National Forum of Black Public Administrators presented Eugene with their “You Can Make a Difference” Unsung Hero Award.
Eugene received the “Community Service” award from 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, for his Alternative to Violence Training For Youth in 1995. The World Council of Churches presented Eugene with the “Sons of Thunder Award” for Christian Virtues Articulated and Lived as a Paradigm of Black Achievement in Public Service to all People, just to name a few.
During the course of his experiences Reece dealt with many racial issues within the Police Department, the community and youth groups. In most cases he was able to counsel or mediate situations to a successful conclusion.