Carl Hoffman Reist

Carl Hoffman Reist, Major USAF Retired

Carl Hoffman Reist, 93, of Lititz, entered into the presence of the Father on Monday, October 16, 2017 surrounded by his family. Born in Lititz, he was the son of the late Rufus Kline, and Pearl (Hoffman) Reist. He was an outstanding student-athlete at Lititz High School lettering in four sports and was the 1942 Lancaster County Singles Tennis Champion. Carl was the loving husband of Betty Garman Summy Reist and they observed their 45th wedding anniversary in May of this year. His first wife was the late Ruth I. Broughton Reist who died in 1966.

Reist was a twenty-year active, and reserve veteran of the U.S. Air Force serving during World War II and Korean Conflict, retiring from the service in 1962. During his service, he piloted many different aircraft; he attained the rank of Major, performing the role of Instructor Pilot in his later years of service. For over thirty years Carl was a Chief Draftsman for Mayo Tunnel and Mine Equipment, which later became Elgood-Mayo of Lancaster. Carl was an active and faithful member of the Lititz Moravian Congregation, and assumed the role of head “Chandelier” (candle maker) after many years of volunteering; he also enjoyed singing tenor in the church senior choir for many years. He was also the head coach of one of Lititz Midget Football Teams during the mid-fifties. The four-team league was the start of the Lititz Midget Football program that continues today. Carl had a life-long passion for his Country, Family, and Community.

Surviving in addition to his wife Betty, is a son, Randolph C., husband of Mary Reist of Royersford; two step sons: Mark E., husband of Mary Summy of Rock Port IN; Eric J., husband of Sadie Summy of Lititz; eight grandchildren, and nineteen great grandchildren. Preceding him in death, in addition to his first wife, are two sons: Ronald A. Reist, Robin L. Reist, a brother, Wilbur H. Reist, a sister, Audrey A. Clinton, and a great grandson, Parker Raffensperger.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Carl’s memorial service from the Lititz Moravian Church, 8 Church Square, Lititz, on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 3:00 PM. Friends may visit with the family in the Eschbach Parlor at Lititz Moravian Church on Tuesday afternoon from 2:00 PM until the time of the service. Interment will be private in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Carl’s memory to: Book of Remembrance C/O Lititz Moravian Church, 8 Church Square, Lititz, PA 17543.