Albert Reef

Albert Phillip "Bert" Reef, 88, died Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

He was born April 29, 1938, in Koshkonong, Missouri, and was the son of the late Fred Hubert and Juanita (Jewell) Reef.

Bert married the love of his life, Patricia Jean "Pat" Cambron, on April 14, 1961, in Jerseyville. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work and laughter, and were blessed with four children. After more than 62 years of marriage, Pat preceded him in death on August 19, 2023.

A proud veteran, Bert served his country with the United States Army. He later retired from McDonnell Douglas, where he worked as a machinist for many years. Beyond his career, he was a talented woodworker and operated Boondocks Saw Mill, where he enjoyed creating beautiful pieces with his hands and sharing his craftsmanship with others.

Bert never met a stranger and always looked for ways to make people laugh. He possessed a quick wit and a warm smile that drew people to him. Of all the things he enjoyed in life, nothing brought him greater happiness than his family. He loved his children dearly, and his face would light up whenever one of his grandchildren walked through the door. He treasured the time spent with them and took great pride in watching his family grow through the generations.

In his quieter moments, Bert could often be found sitting on his porch swing, taking in the day and enjoying the simple things in life. He also loved spending time outdoors fishing, a pastime that brought him both peace and contentment.

He is survived by his four children, Diana (Mike) Carpunkly of Jerseyville, David Reef of Brighton, Dwayne (Jane) Reef of Delhi and Doug (Kara) Reef of Wood River; eight grandchildren, Nathan (Jamie) McGowen of Brighton, Kayla (Josh) Stampley of Bentonville, Arkansas, Courtney (Max) Mesa of Leander, Texas, Caitlin (Chris) Watters of Wildwood, Missouri, Caleb (Sadie) Reef of Brighton, Danielle (Ethan) Freitas of St. Louis, Missouri, Carson Reef and his fiancée, Kaelynne, of Alton, and Kaidence Reef of Wood River; seven great-grandchildren, Peyton Stampley, Ezra Stampley, Remi McGowen, Corbin McGowen, Maverick Mesa, Mila Mesa and Wesley Walters; as well as a brother, William Reef of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Bruce Reef; and a sister, Thelma Bumgardner.

Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Upper Alton Cemetery. 

Memorials may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home