Richard Trent Reist

      Richard Trent Reist, age 96, of Lansing, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at home with his family by his side.

     Funeral Services will be held at Maple Rapids Congregational Christian Church, Maple Rapids, MI, at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, November 17, 2023, with Pastor Jerry Kissling officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M prior to the service.

     Richard was born in Saginaw, Michigan on November 4, 1927, the son of Rollie Trent and Mabel Ione (McCumsey) Reist. He graduated from Saginaw High School with the class of 1945. He earned a Bachelor of Science in 1951 and a Master of Science in 1955 from Michigan State College (MSU). He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Air Force 1945-1947 and was a member of the American Legion Post #269, Haslett, MI.

     On July 3, 1948, Richard married Audrey Beverly Brown in New Jersey. They were married 64 years prior to her death on March 5, 2013.

     Richard enjoyed coin collecting, photography, jogging and was an avid "do-it-yourselfer." He and his family have many wonderful memories of camping, mushrooming and fishing. In 2010 at the age of 83, he was inducted into the Michigan Shuffleboard Hall of Fame.

     Richard taught science and math at C.W. Otto Jr. High School in Lansing for 30 years. He was a charter member of the Michigan Federation of Teachers. He and Audrey were members of Pilgrim Congregational Church in Lansing, MI.

     Richard is survived by three children: Russell Reist of Lansing, Kirsten (Mike) Whitman of Perrinton, and Kevin Reist of Harrison; many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and companion Jane Blanchard. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Audrey, daughter Patricia (Mark) King, great grandson Elliott Lee Reist, sister Jane (Rod) Highfield, and brother William Reist.

     In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Eaton Community Palliative Care, 2675 S. Cochran Rd. Charlotte, MI 48813 or American Legion Post #269, 1485 Haslett Rd., Haslett, MI 48840. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.