In memory of...

W. Heard Reeves
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

W. Heard Reeves passed away peacefully on December 17, 2007, at the age of 91. He was born to Victor M. and Alma G. Reeves on November 16, 1916, in Goree, Texas. He grew up on their farm in Knox County, and graduated from Goree High School in 1934 as Valedictorian. He moved to Wichita Falls in 1938 to attend Draughon’s Business College. He married Jeanette Moore on December 22, 1942, and they were married 39 years. He became a member of First United Methodist Church in June of 1946. He was a longtime member of the Keystone Class of that Church.

Mr. Reeves was drafted into the military in January 1941 and attended Infantry OCS. He served in campaigns in North Africa, Sicily (Anzio), Italy, southern France, Central Europe, and the Rhineland, at the end of the Sicilian campaign he was one of the two 2nd Lieutenants chosen to go to Division Headquarters in Trappani, Sicily, for a conference with Gen. George S. Patton regarding infantry tactics in frontline combat. As a member of the Third Infantry Division, he knew and fought with Audie Murphy. He pinned 2nd Lt. bars on Murphy at Remiramont, France, to give him a battlefield commission. During his military service, Reeves was awarded the Silver Star, the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, a Purple Heart, two Bronze Stars, the French Croix de Guerre with palm, and several Distinguished Unit Citations.

Mr. Reeves was employed for 31 years by Perkins-Prothro Company as office manager and head accountant, He was active in North Texas Oil and Gas Association, a charter member of North Texas Oil and Gas Association Accountants, and served several years as Chairman of the North Texas Ad Valorem Tax Committee. He also served on the Official Board of FUMC in various capacities and on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. His quick wit and sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Mr. Reeves was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and two brothers, Jim and Frank. Survivors include his sister and brother-in-law, Vivian and Mark Allen, daughter, Elizabeth Reeves, son David H. Reeves, sister-in-law Velta Reeves, grandchildren Emily and husband Jay Rennie, Chris Coward, and Clay Reeves, two great-grandchildren, Shane and Jake Rennie, and several nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 19, 2007, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home. Services will be December 20, 2007 at Hampton Vaughan Chapel with Rev. John Dillard officiating. Interment will follow in Crestview Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Manor, of Hospice of Wichita Falls.