Billie Lee Rea, 91, of Columbia City, passed away at 8:40 p.m. Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Parkview Randallia, Fort Wayne.

Born on May 27, 1932, in Shawnee, Kansas, he was a son of the late William E. and Hazel Fern (Shutt) Rea. As a young child, the family moved to Albion, Indiana, where he completed grade school.

At 14 years of age, the family moved to Waynedale, where he completed school.

Joining the U.S. Air Force, he served 25 years with tours of duty in England, Germany, and Vietnam and completed his career in Texas and Louisiana. During his service, he completed his GED.

On May 3, 1952, he married his high school sweetheart, Diane H. Pequignot. She followed him throughout his military service.  After retirement, they moved to Albion and then Kendallville. In 2002, they moved to Columbia City.

While living in Albion, Bill worked for the federal Comprehensive Employment Training Act (CETA), training people skills for employment in a nine-county region.

Bill was an active member of the VFW Post 5582 in Columbia City and a member of the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard. While living in Albion, he was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles in Albion.  He belonged to the Columbia City United Methodist Church.

Surviving is his wife of 71 years, Diane; children, Laura L. (Ronald) Knoll of Cheney, WA, William E. Rea of Kendallville, and Beckey S. (Robert) Moore of Wawaka; five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by brothers Melvin, Charles, and Eugene Rea and a sister, Opal Gene Frye.

There will be no services.

Memorials in Bill's honor are to the Korean War Veterans Honor Guard.