Elmer "Johnnie" Reese, 81, a resident of Hurley, NM passed away on Monday, November 17, 2014 in his home.

He was born December 26, 1932 in Los Angeles, CA to Christina Briggs Reese and John Reese. He served in the US Navy from 1952 until he retired in 1972. Mr. Reese was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars. After his retirement he moved his family to Grant County where he worked with Kennecott/Phelps Dodge for 15 years.

Mr. Reese is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sylvia Reese; one sister, Robin Reese (Mike Thomas) of Fairfield, CA and children, Billie Gaboree of Silver City; Ronald Reese of Silver City; John Reese (Jeanie) of Bakersfield, CA; and Julie Ponce (Chris) of Silver City; his grandchildren, Justin Reese (Melanie), Jennifer Rayl (Michael), Joshua Reese, Nicole Parnell (Jake), Brandi Conner (Josh), Erika and Christopher Ponce, Sheanna, Ashley and Jacob Mullen, Ryan Simpson, Alicia Estes (Chris) and numerous great grandchildren; life long friends, Dolores and Glen Wilson and family.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Graciella Alcorn; one brother, Mike Klym and his parents.

Visitation will be Friday, November 21 from 10-10:30am at Terrazas Funeral Chapels with the holy rosary to begin at 10:30am with Deacon David Castañon reciting. The funeral liturgy will follow at 11:30am at Infant Jesus Shrine with Father Roberto Barreto officiating. Interment will follow at Hurley cemetery. Pallbearers will be Justin and Brandon Reese, Tim Graves, Michael Rayl, Bobby Triviso and Ronald Reese. Honorary pallbearers will be the rest of his family and friends.

Arrangements are with Terrazas Funeral Chapels.