He was born Oct. 8, 1929, in New York to Fred J. and Elizabeth (Stallings) Reeves Sr. He married Thelma L. Pinson on July 18, 1957, in Chicago. She died Feb. 4, 2002, in Elkhart.

He is survived by four daughters, Velma J. "Jean" Booze and Elizabeth A. Jackson, both of Elkhart, Delorise L. Underwood of Houston, and Miriam L. Jackson of Kalamazoo, Mich.; 10 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren and two sisters, Naomi (John) Young of Laurelton, N.Y., and Ida Elizabeth Reeves of New York.

Mr. Reeves was preceded in death by three sisters, Martha Lewis, Rose Smith and Harriett Johnson; and one brother, Julius O. Elliby.

Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart, and one hour prior to Saturday's noon funeral service at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 802 W. Garfield Ave., Elkhart. Pastor Sam Frison will officiate. Burial with military honors will follow in Rice Cemetery, Elkhart.

Mr. Reeves retired as plant manager at Aeroquip Corp., formerly known as Industrial Plastics, in Elkhart after 40 years of service. He was a member of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, where he sang with and was past president of the male chorus.

He was a founding member and past president of the Boarder Club and a former member of the VFW Post 9944 in Elkhart. He was a U.S. Army Korean War veteran. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.