Reis Edwin Ritz

Reis Edwin Ritz, 69 of Midland, passed away on Sunday, July 23, 2023 surrounded by his family.  Reis was born July 14, 1954 in Odessa, Texas to Nancy and Dick Ritz. He had one younger sister, Rhonda Ritz Marcks.  Reis graduated from Permian High School in 1972 and was a proud member of the Mojo Band (trumpet player).  He earned an Associate’s Degree from Odessa College.

In 1984, he began working for Digital Equipment Corporation which was bought out by Hewlett Packard and again by Copac Computers.  He worked for these three corporations for more than 31 years.  During his career, Reis worked on large mainframe computers and retired as a Network Engineer.

Reis and Paula met in Ground School, training to get their Pilot’s license at Midland College in 1986.  Reis went on to get his private pilot’s license and soloed in a glider.  Two weeks prior to his passing, Paula and Reis took their first helicopter ride.  He also loved building model planes.  His airbrush skills to add the final touches to the models were outstanding.  Reis participated in the car care ministry at Midland Bible Church and helped design and install the audio-visual system for Worship and served on the Sound Team for many years.

His son, Brandon was accepted to the United States Military Academy in 1999.  Paula and Reis co-founded the West Point Parents Club of the Texas Plains.  This was a support group for other parents whose sons and daughters were attending West Point.  For ten years, the Parents Club would host formal military Academy Balls to honor current cadets, midshipmen, graduates from all five service academies, active duty, and veterans.  West Point Association of Graduates (WPAOG) recognized Paula’s and Reis’ years of service in promoting “The Academy” by making them members of Friends of West Point, which is membership to WPAOG for non-graduates.

One month shy of his scheduled retirement, Reis suffered a massive stroke in 2015.  His “never give up attitude” was exhibited every day and by God’s grace, Reis overcame most of the side effects from the stroke.  West Texas Therapy and the Aphasia Center of West Texas helped him speak again, regain the physical ability to drive and most importantly live life to the fullest.   The Aphasia Center became a second family to Reis.  He loved the staff and the other members.  A member of Midland Bible Church would call Reis “the miracle man” because of his recovery from the stroke.

Reis enjoyed competitive shooting sports.  He participated in International Defensive Pistol Association monthly matches and bulls-eye matches.  For six years, prior to his stroke, Reis was President of Midland Shooters Association (MSA).   To this day, Reis is complimented as being the best President MSA has ever had.

Reis’ recovery from his stroke allowed him to work at Advance Auto Parts as a parts delivery person.  This gave Reis great joy, the ability to be around people and everything cars.

In April 2022, Reis learned he had Stage Four colon cancer.  He never gave up the desire to fight and faced cancer and treatment virtually pain-free.  The strong faith Reis had in God allowed him to spend his last days on earth not in fear but in peace knowing he was going to spend eternity in Heaven.

“PaPooh” or “PaPa” deeply loved his family and found great pleasure watching his grandchildren participate in their chosen sport and spending time with them.  He is preceded in death by both parents and his sister.  Reis is survived by his wife, Paula; son, Brandon and his wife Emilee of Georgetown, TX; stepson, Chas Gauthier and his wife Stephanie of Midland, TX; stepdaughter, Lacy Connally and her husband Justin of New Braunfels, TX; granddaughters, Isabella Ritz and Campbell Connally; and grandsons, Holt Connally and Jagger and Ford Gauthier.

The family would like to express their gratitude towards Dr. Manny Mangat and the staff of Texas Oncology, the staff of Hospice of Midland and the staff and members of the Aphasia Center of West Texas.

A celebration of Reis’ life will be held Friday, August 4th at 1:00p.m. at The Branch, Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, 3800 N. Big Spring Street in Midland.  Memorial donations can be made in Reis’ name to the Aphasia Center of West Texas, 5214 Thompson Dr., Midland, TX 79703.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com

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