William Edward Reeder

William Edward Reeder (Bill), 95 years, formerly of Temple, Texas went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ on July 31, 2024, in New Braunfels, Texas. Bill was born on November 24, 1928, in Owensboro, Kentucky to parents, Elbert Munsey Reeder and Annie Trull Watson Reeder. Bill had two brothers who preceded him in death, Bert and Hugh. He is survived by his two daughters, Kathy Cook and husband, Ted P. Cook, of New Braunfels, Texas; Cindy Buchanan and husband, JB Buchanan of Allen, Texas; two granddaughters, Amy Cook Robbins and husband Jeff Robbins of Yoakum, Texas; and Laura Cook Best and husband, Brandon Best of New Braunfels, Texas; four great grandchildren; Michael Jeff Robbins, III (Tre), William Perrin Robbins, (Will), Kaitlyn LaLei Best, Noah James Best; sister-in-law, Rosalie Reeder and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Bill was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas and a graduate of Texas Christian University with a BA in Psychology. While at TCU he met the love of his life, Shirley, who preceded Bill in death in 2021. They were married in 1950 and spent 70 years together in September of 2020. While living in Temple, he was a Senior Executive of Texas Power and Light Co./TXU. He was a mentor to many. Over his career he served his community as Director and President of the Temple Chamber of Commerce (1974), The Industrial Foundation; Chairman of the Central Star Chapter of the Texas Manufacturers Association; the United Fund (now United Way); and Board of Directors of Kings Daughters Hospital. Bill also served his Lord as a deacon and was named Elder Emeritus for his many years of discipleship service in the First Christian Church of Temple, Texas of which he was a member for over 50 years.

Not only was Bill involved in his community, church and family, he spent time on his many hobbies. He loved to play golf and travel with friends from The Temple Country Club, Wildflower Country Club in Temple to St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. He was a Ham Radio operator, a very good photographer, jewelry making and cutting all types of gemstones, growing orchids, making clocks, oil and pencil art, playing the piano, cooking and candy making. He was also an avid baker, making cookies and wheat bread for his family and friends. In a Temple Telegram story of his baking skills, he was quoted as saying, “I would rather be baking bread on a Saturday than mowing the lawn.”

Bill’s Celebration of Life will be at the First Christian Church in Temple at 10 o’clock AM on Saturday, August 10, 2024.

Memorials in Bill’s honor may be made to the National MS Society of America, The First Christian Church of Temple’s General Fund, The Dementia Society of America at https://www.dementiasociety.org or to a charity of one’s choice.