Obituary of Harold Michael "Mike" Reese

Harold Michael “Mike” Reese, 85, of Fort Worth, Texas, died peacefully surrounded by family on August 17, 2025.

Mike was born in Abilene, Texas, on January 3, 1940 to Harold D. Reese and Mildred Cox Reese.  He spent his youth in both Abilene and Eastland and graduated as Valedictorian from Eastland High School in 1958.  Mike was a student at Texas A & M University, then later transferred to Abilene Christian College (now ACU) graduating in 1962 with a degree in Accounting.

Mike enjoyed a long and fruitful career in business and finance spanning a period of over 50 years. He enjoyed positions at Arthur Anderson, Leonard Enterprises, Euratex Oil and Gas, Gerad Petroleum, ESL Investments, and HBK Investments.  He finished his distinguished career as Partner and Compliance Officer with Highside Capital Management of Dallas, Texas.

Mike was a man of deep faith who loved God, his family and friends, and Texas.  His generous heart led to faithful service in local churches (The Hills Church, Alta Mesa Church of Christ, Southside Church of Christ), as well as being instrumental in the formation of North Texas Community Foundation and other philanthropic endeavors.  His legacy of giving, living, and loving will continue through the many who were blessed to know him.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, David, his wife of 49 years, Betty, and his grandson, Walker.  He is survived by his wife, Lauren, her daughter, Blair Blanco (Ray), and  two grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sons, Dan (Tamara) and Tim, and his daughter Cindy Melancon (Mike), four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 27 at Southside Church of Christ in Fort Worth, Texas.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, the Harding University Mike Reese Endowed Scholarship Fund, or Abilene Christian University’s School of Business.