Bill Reamer passed away on February 21, 2007.  Bill was the drum instructor for The Archer Epler  Drum & Bugle Corps of Upper Darby PA which many of us had the privelege of competing against in the 1950's and 60's.  Bill was the propieter of DRUMMERS SERVICE located in East Earl PA. As a master craftsman he produced custom rope drums that are legend.  His hand crafted custom drum sticks are collectors items.  Paul Mosley and myself purchased several pairs of Bill's sticks a few years ago and continue to use them.

An obituary and pictures of one of Bill's custom rope drum's built for Dick Filkins, a Reamer student, is attached.  Bill Reamer made a significant contribution to the rudimental art form.  His accomplishments will not be forgotten. On behalf of all CADRE members and associates, our condolences to the Reamer family.

Fred Johnson,
President

William H. Reamer, 85, New Holland, PA died Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at his home. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Sinclair) Reamer with whom he shared 59 years of marriage.

A lifelong drummer and instructor, Bill taught rudimental drumming to many who later became champions. He picked up the baton from “Buck” Soistman upon his death and carried on the tradition of the “Grand Republic Drum,” following in the footsteps of Gus Moeller and others. He also did fine restorations of historic drums for many museums. After retirement, he had pursued drum making and drum restoration full time. His drums are used by many major orchestras throughout the world, as well as by the U.S. Military, including the Old Guard Field Music of Ft. Meyer, VA. He was a member of Archer Eppler Drum & Bugle Corps of Upper Darby and a founder of Independence Fife & Drum Corps of Broomall.

Bill served in the U.S. Army during WWII in New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan. He was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion of Upper Darby and also enjoyed camping.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two sons, William S., married to Karen, of Ithaca, N.Y., and Andrew L., married to Ruth Ann, of Pittsburgh; six grandchildren, Billy, Jessica, Dana, Christine, Elizabeth, and James; and a sister, Elizabeth, married to Jack Ritchie, of Newtown Square.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2007 at 2 p.m. in the Garden Spot Village Garden Towers (3rd Floor) with Pastor E. Clair Martin officiating. The family will greet friends on Saturday from 1 to 2 p.m.
Drummers are invited to bring their instruments. “Downfall of Paris” will be played in honor of Bill.

Kindly omit flowers. If desired, memorial contributions in his memory may be sent to Hospice of Lancaster County, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125; Garden Spot Village Benevolent Fund, 433 S. Kinzer Ave., New Holland, PA 17557; or to Cedar Grove Presbyterian Church, 4833 Division Hwy., East Earl, PA 17519. The Groff-High Funeral Home, New Holland is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent at: www.groffeckenroth.com

Edmund W. Boyle