Herbert Francis "Frank" Reeves

Herbert Francis “Frank” Reeves, age 89, passed away on September 19 in Abilene Texas following a brief illness. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, September 23, 2014 at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South.

Frank was born on January 9, 1925 in Lometa, Texas to Hubert G. and Ila Bethune Reeves, and the family moved to Abilene in Frank’s early childhood. Frank was a 1942 graduate of Abilene High School and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Abilene.

Frank is survived by his daughter Patsy (James) Stanton of Lebanon, Tennessee, grandchildren Jimmy (Jennifer) Stanton of Knoxville, Tennessee and Erin (Matthew) Hammond of McKinney, Texas and great-grandchildren Laura Kate and Patrick Stanton and Tyler and Brady Hammond.

Following high school graduation, Frank’s lifetime of dedicated service to others began when he volunteered for military service in the United States Navy. Frank served 27 months at sea in the Pacific theatre aboard the USS Louisville and was involved in 13 land and sea battles. Frank received numerous citations and decorations for his service in battle and was discharged from the United States Navy in 1946 at the rank of Machinist Mate First Class.

Frank then returned to Abilene to complete his education. He received two degrees from Hardin-Simmons, his BBA in 1951 and his MBA in 1953.

Following completion of his education, Frank worked for the United States Postal Service and Borden’s Dairy before joining West Texas Utilities in 1958. Frank retired from West Texas Utilities in 1989 with 31 years of services. Also, Frank was co-owner of Reeves Holiday House in Abilene from 1984 through 1991.

Frank met and married Winnie Rae Jones in 1947. Frank and Winnie were marriage and business partners for 45 years until Winnie’s death in 1992.

In 1994, Frank married Ruth Josey Taylor of Comanche, Texas, and the couple subsequently made their home in Kerrville, Texas. Ruth passed away following a battle with cancer in 1999.

In 2000, Frank met and married Rene Boyd of Anson, Texas. The couple made their home in Abilene until Rene’s passing in July of 2014.

Frank’s priority of serving others was also exemplified by his dedication to Kiwanis International for many years. He served as President of the East Abilene Kiwanis Club and the Greater Abilene Kiwanis Club and was Lt. Governor of Kiwanis Districts 12 and 35 in 1973 and 1974. Frank was named Abilene Kiwanian of the year in 1974.

Frank was foremost a loving husband and father. He was well known for his generosity and was always willing to help a family member in need. Frank was proud of his long career as a tax accountant, but he was never happier than when he raised the hood of one of his vehicles and tinkered with the engine. Frank loved to travel and had a particular love for the National Parks of the western United States.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials should be sent to the Diabetes Society, the American Cancer Society, and Kiwanis Clubs of Abilene, Texas.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Covenant Place for the special attention that Frank received during his time there, to Hendrick Hospice for their assistance in his final days, and to his primary care physician, Dr. Samantha Goodman, for her advice and counsel.