Retired Lt. Colonel Robert Russell Reeves, 86, passed away on April 24, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Edward Reeves and Piercie Hunter Jones Reeves; daughter, Barbara Lee Flaugher; and his brother, Daniel Edward (Ned) Reeves. Colonel Reeves is survived by his wife, Ramona Talbott Reeves; daughters, Clay Hunter Reeves, Robin Reeves Robertson (JR), Bari Reeves Davis (Art), Cherie Reeves Sharp (Gary) and a son, Robert Cabell Reeves (Cathy), fourteen grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and niece, Dianne Holt Reeves.
Bob was born and raised on the family farm in Halifax, Virginia, and swore that he remembered the day he was born. He enjoyed athletics, and lettered in basketball and baseball at both the High School and Collegiate levels. At the age of 16, after sharing a special dance with a lovely girl named Ramona, he said, “That’s the girl I am going to marry.” Bob and Ramona shared 64 wonderful years as husband and wife, and he often referred to her as the “wind beneath his wings!” Joining the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corp, Bob earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Education at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant. He became an Air Force Rescue Helicopter and Fixed Wing Pilot. It was a beautiful and adventurous journey, traveling the world together and creating a happy and secure life for their six children.
During his 30-year career in the United States Air Force, he clocked in over 5,000 flying hours without an accident, including over 60 combat missions and 361 flight hours in Vietnam. He was credited with saving numerous civilian and military lives and was awarded the Bronze Star, 2 Meritorious Service Medals, and 3 Air Medals, as well as many other recognitions for his outstanding service to his country. Col. Reeves served as a professor at the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base for nine years prior to his retirement in 1986
A memorial service will be held on April 28, 2019 at 3pm at Leak Memory Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial with full military honors will be held Tuesday, April 30th, at 1:15, at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at 3636 South 1-10 Service Road Suite 304 Metairie, Louisiana 70001. Telephone 504-837-0945 in honor of Bob’s great-grandson, Sumner James Walter Holland.
The Family wishes to thank Bob’s caregiver, Shaundra Scott, and his hospice caregivers Craig, Val, Vanessa and Felicia. Special thanks to the residents and staff of Oak Grove Inn for their constant support and love shown to our family.
