Korean War Veterans Association

Chapter condolences are extended to the family of our KWVA member, CSM Edmund Leon Reel, 88, of Wardensville, WV. who passed into the hand of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at Winchester Medical Center.
         Leon was born on January 31, 1929 in Inkerman, WV, a son of the late Harry H. and Leaffa Bean Reel. He attended Moorefield High School, was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Baker, WV, Wardensville Lions Club and attended Marvin Chapel United Methodist Church in Wardensville, WV.
        Leon enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 24, 1947. He served in the Korean War where he was captured on November 1, 1950 and held prisoner of war for 34 months. He endured incredible physical and emotional torture and starvation at the hands of the enemy. Following his release on August 24, 1953, Leon struggled the rest of his life emotionally and then physically near the end. Leon retired as Command Sergeant Major from the United States Army on April 1, 1975. He was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge, the Bronze Star with Valor, The Purple Heart, the POW medal, and numerous other medals. Leon was a lifelong member of the following: American Legion Post #64 in Moorefield, VFW Post #2102 in Wardensville, National EX-POW Association in Tennessee and charter member of the Shenandoah Valley Chapter #313 KWVA in Winchester, VA. He also formed and commanded the Moorefield Veterans Honor Guard for 30 years and the Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 579 of Moorefield, WV.

       Surviving is his loving companion & unending caregiver of over 40 years: Kathy Fishel; three sons: Richard A. Reel of Buckhannon, WV; Robert M. Reel of Reedsville, OH; Randall W. Reel of Markelton, PA; a daughter: Becky J. Fishel of Wardensville, WV; a brother: Harry B. Reel of Baker, WV; a sister: Deloris R. Vetter of Moorefield; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and his grand-dog SGT Major Chipper. He was preceded in death by a brother; Ronald (Jack) Poland.
      Leon's health issues forced him to be on dialysis at DaVita in Winchester, VA; making the trip faithfully three times a week since 2014. A special thank you to everyone at DaVita for the care and respect they gave him, especially Bobby.

       A funeral service was held at the Faith Mission Church in Wardensville, WV on Friday, December 22nd at 1 PM. Officiating were Rev’s Michael Funkhouser, Luther “Nip” Crites and Chaplain Raleigh Watson.   

 

Twenty-three Chapter 313 members and spouses attended the funeral service at the church and also at the Greenfield cemetery. This was followed by a fellowship gathering and meal at the Wardensville Memorial building.