Warren Leslie "Buddy" Rees of Eckert, Texas passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 75 after spending his final days surrounded by his family and friends.  Buddy was preceded in death by his father, Forest James Rees, Sr and sister, Elsa Gene Rees.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Sagebiel Rees, mother, Marjorie Johnson Rees, son Desmond E. Rees, his wife Shannon Allen Rees of Katy-Fulshear, son Robert J. Rees, his fiancé Ann Marie Payne of San Antonio, and four grandchildren, Hunter Ryan Rees, Audre Elaine Rees, Brady Owen Rees, and Sydney Kate Rees.  Additionally Buddy is survived by 6 siblings and their spouses: Forest J. "Frosty" Rees and wife Susan L. Rees of Fredericksburg, Mary R. Iacoboni and husband Steve Iacoboni of Clarkston, WA,  Francis R. "Sassy" Puckett and husband Dave Puckett of San Angelo, John G. Rees and wife Chris Rees of Fredericksburg, Christopher W. Rees and wife Donna K. Rees of Fredericksburg, and Edward N. Rees and wife Sharon of Fredericksburg and many nieces and nephews.

Buddy was born on January 29, 1949 to Forest James Rees, Sr and Marjorie Johnson Rees at St. Joseph's Hospital in Houston, Texas.  He is a graduate of the 1967 class of St. Mary's High School in Fredericksburg, where Buddy was also the Drum Major of the marching band.  After high school, Buddy attended The University of Texas at Austin, obtaining his BA in English in 1971.  He married Barbara Elaine Sagebiel, daughter of Desmond A. and Maybeth O. Sagebiel on September 6, 1969, in the Fredericksburg Methodist Church.

Buddy and Barbara resided for a short time in Corpus Christi where Buddy worked for Southwestern Drug, before they returned to Fredericksburg.  Upon return to Fredericksburg, Buddy worked for KNAF 910 as an on-air weekend personality and for Arther Danz Builders where Buddy found is passion for restoration of Texas German homes and custom homes designed by himself.  Buddy started W.L. Rees Builders in the late 1970's.  His signature homes can still be seen across Gillespie County, including the A.G. Sagebiel home in Eckert and the Segner Home at Palo Alto Creek on Llano Highway.  Buddy's signature project, the restoration of the Weyrick-Arhelger Home, a one room log cabin, addition of an artist's studio and a traditional Fredericksburg Guest House on Main Street for artist G. Harvey (Gerald Harvey Jones) and wife Patty, remains as one of Fredericksburg's best examples of traditional Texas German homes.

After retiring from the building business, Buddy became a full-time rancher, raising Santa Gertrudis and Hereford cross cattle and later Black Angus cross cattle, and trophy whitetail deer at the A.G. Sagebiel homestead in Gillespie and Llano counties.  He continued to dabble in the building business consulting on numerous custom homes and restoration projects for friends and family.  Always the customer designer and builder, Buddy built custom metal furniture for customers, family, friends and for a few select shops on Main Street.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Dr. Rad Kothmann, Votive Hospice (Dawn, Liz and Cortny), Stanley "Gertrude" Rabke and other members of Willow City Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Fredericksburg EMS, and all our family and friends for their support during Buddy's last weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to Willow City Volunteer Fire and Rescue – Brush Truck Fund or the Eckert Cemetery Association.

A gathering to celebrate Warren L. "Buddy" Rees will take place at the Willow City School House on FM 1323 in Willow City on May 16, 2024 at 1:30 pm.  Come in your best Hill Country attire – no ties – not formal.  Bring your favorite drink.

One of Buddy's favorite quotes, "I don't do yard work." The family agrees!