Ralph E. Rees, 85, of Austintown, passed away Tuesday December 23, 2014 at his residence.

He was born March 15, 1929 in Billings, Montana the son of Ralph and Bernice Goodall Rees.

Ralph attended Billings High School and while attending school he worked for the railroad and then went on to work for the airport in Billings where he met his future wife Vivian Banning. They were married on December 9th 1948. Ralph and Vivian moved back to Ohio and in 1975 Ralph pursued his dream of owning and operating a service station. They purchased The Sunoco Gas Station in Cortland.

Ralph has a vast knowledge of mechanics and many people in the area sought him for car repairs. He had a fondness for foreign cars and motorcycles, and in his spare time loved to fly his airplane. Ralph had a very strong work ethic. Many long hours were put into running their business. Sundays were their day off, so they would take long drives to look at the appearance of other gas stations.

Ralph was a United States Marine Corps veteran.

He leaves three sons Richard Rees of Houston, Texas, Robert Rees(Janet) of Lordstown, Ohio, Jack of Napa Valley California, a daughter Judy Rees (Steve Woofter) of Kinsman, four grandchildren, Heather Rees of Niles, Brian Rees of Boardman,  Michael Rees of Lordstown, Jeanette Rees of Mobile, Alabama, a great-grandson Dylan Jones, and also his best friend and as he said "the best dog I ever had" Brandy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, and his wife Vivian who passed away January 26 1999. Together they shared fifty years of marriage.

Per Ralph's request there will be no services.

The family requests that Material Contributions can be made to The Animal Welfare League, 812 Youngstown-Kingsville Road, Vienna, Ohio 44473.

Ralph's family would also like to express their gratitude to his many friends at Greenwood Chevrolet in Austintown and The Honda Store in Boardman who were always there for him.

Arrangements are being handled by The Joseph Rossi and Sons Funeral Home in Niles.

Family and friends can e-mail condolences, light a candle, and sign the guestbook at www.josephrossifuneralhome.com.