Reece C. Bohannon
January 23, 1935 ~ March 9, 2023
Reece C. Bohannon, 88, retired teacher, coach, rancher and all around friend died Thursday, March 9, 2023. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 am, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.Born in a ranch house above the Caney River, Reece Bohannon was a second generation teacher. His mother, an educator interested in the world of science, taught in a one-roomed school house as well as in grade-level classrooms. She instilled in him a love for science and for learning.Reece Bohannon graduated from Cedar Vale High School in 1952. He received a scholastic scholarship to Emporia State. Mr. Bohannon was the only two sport letterman from Emporia State in 1956--both in basketball and track. He held many scoring records in basketball at ESU. One of the most outstanding skills Mr. Bohannon exhibited reflected his vertical jumping ability. He could jump almost to the top of a fan-shaped back board. He was a track All American in the pole vault in 1955. Mr. Bohannon's passion and educational goal was to coach young people.Mr. Bohannon began his teaching career right here in Arkansas City at Cowley County Community College, teaching technology to students who were most often older then he. Little did Mr. Bohannon know that he had delved into the concept of mastery learning during those first few years at Cowley County, where he developed an outcomes- based science curriculum 35 years ago.When he reflected upon his coaching career both at Cowley County and the public schools in #470, he recalls the following successes: State Junior College Basketball Champs, State Junior College Football Co-Champs, Several State Junior College track and golf champions, and National track champions. At Arkansas City Junior High his students posted nine out of ten Little Ark Valley Championships and many Championship golf teams.Mr. Bohannon coached 22 years of basketball, with seven undefeated seasons and a winning record of 85% of his total games. He coached a total of 25 years, including his golf seasons.When reflecting on his life, Reece was most thankful for the following: Learning how to pole vault with a hackberry tree branch; holding the office of Class President and Student Government Officer at Emporia State; celebrating his most exciting science project, his personally hand-made telescope with hand ground lenses; receiving the Presidential Life-Saving Award from President Gerald Ford, the nation's highest civilian award; and establishing and sponsoring many orphanages and schools in Haiti, most of which are still operating.Preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Bertha; brother Don; and son, Donnie Bohannon.Survived by his wife, Linda Bohannon of 27 years; children, David Bohannon, Danell Farlow (Mark), Amy Vorderbruegge (Darren), Jeff Blackman (Laura), Chad Blackman (Kim); grandchildren, Ryan Bohannon (Erin), Megan Sprague (Dusty), Dawson Vorderbruegge (Marina), Cordray Wrinkle (Dakota), Daryn Pettersen (Matt), Ellie Blackman, Mia Blackman, Brett Blackman, Grace Blackman, Lou Blackman; and 11 great-grandkids. Memorials have been established with: Andover Younglife, 6505 E. Central #318, Wichita, KS 67206; Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Strategic Workspace, 5025 E. Kellogg, Wichita, KS 67208.
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Mr Bohannon was my first boss! This was when he ran the public pool in ark city. He was a great man and always made you feel important. So sorry for your loss.
I will never forget Reece’s kindness and genuine interest in the Ark City high school basketball players. He was always available during his time at ACJC to help us improve. He and his jr. college mentor, Dan Kahler we’re certainly role models for me and my friends.
God bless you Reece, Jerry Stone—class of’59.
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I looked up to Mr. Bohannon in more ways than one. He ran the pool, taught in school and I had the honor of playing basketball against him in the industrial league in Ark City. I was only 5 foot 7 so I could not shoot over him. He was a great man and will be missed by many.
I had the great pleasure of working for Mr.Bohannon at the public pool as a lifeguard. the training I recieved thru a cpr class that he set up for me with red cross aided me in saving the life of a 4 year old child who had choked on a lolipop 3 months after completing the class. I never got to tell him how he helped me in saving that childs life. so from me to you Mr. Bohannon thank you for the opportunity you provided me to help this young girl. you will always be remembered as a great man and employer. R.I.P. my friend
He called me by my last name “COPELAND”
Mr.Bohannon was a very nice man. He will be missed greatly.
Sending condolences to all friends and family. He was such a great man!
Reece was a man that myself and others admired thru their entire lives. I would like to share memories of Reece with others at my establishment here in Arkansas City, Kansas known as Rivers’ Eagle Bar & Grille located at 31332 61st Rd. South. on Wednesday March 15th from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Many here knew the man as a teacher and a friend and as the swimming pool manager. He touched many of us in the years he was with this community and upon reading his obituary he continued to do so wherever he went. You are invited to join me to honor a good man.
Reece was by far one of my favorite people I have ever met. He was always so caring and thankful for others. I texted him awhile back to check on him and see how he was doing and at the end of his reply text he said “I love you Rob”. I will never forget him and feel honored that I was able to meet and spend time with him. He will be greatly missed by many. I love you too buddy!
He was a very nice man. I’m sorry for your loss.