Fred REES, 90, Oldtime Ball Player, Dies

Fred REES, 90, last surviving member of Aurora's first baseball team, died yesterday at the Galena Boulevard Hospital. REES, a retired Burlington Railroad trainman, lived at 806 S. Fourth St. He was born May 9, 1866, in Aurora.

Mr. REES retired in 1933 after 46 years with the Burlington, and since that time had been one of the most active members of the Aurora Old Timers Baseball Association. He had played with the city's initial team, before 1890, when games were held at Hurd's Island.

He played the outfield and was a heavy hitter. His brother, Lou REES, died two years ago at the age of 96, shortly after attending the Old Timers 1954 reunion.

Mr. REES is survived by two daughters, Mrs. EMMONS (Ethel), Mrs. Irene
STILLINGS, both of Aurora; a son Richard REES of Aurora; five grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. His wife, Mrs. Eva REES. died in 1933.

He was a charter member of Columbian Lodge 479 of Chicago.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 3 o'clock from the Healy Chapel, with the Rev. Wesley McKelvey officiating. Burial will be in Spring Lake cemetery.

Friends may call the chapel after 6 o'clock Saturday.

This was taken from the Beacon News, Aurora, Kane Co. IL. on February 22, 1957

Contributed by: J. Holmes on 11 Jan 2000

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