John Butler Reeves Sr., a lifelong resident of Brookhaven,passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, in Brookhaven, He was 85years old.

Mr. Reeves was born on April 26, 1925, to Eulice and Maurice Reevesof Brookhaven. One of five children, Mr. Reeves was educated atFair River School where he excelled in athletics. He enlisted inthe United States Army during World War II and served in the 45thDivision, 180th Infantry as a wireman and infantryman. He servedwith distinction during this time as his unit fought from NorthernItaly through Southern France and into Germany. He participated innumerous conflicts including the Battle for FremoFountaine inFrance and was wounded shortly thereafter as his unit commenced theassault on the German fortresses at Metz. For his service to hiscountry, Mr. Reeves was awarded the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star,the African/European Campaign Service Medal and his most cherishedaward, the Infantryman Badge, which is awarded to veterans who haveseen actual combat during their service.

He returned home after the war and married Alma Greer ofBrookhaven. Their marriage lasted 64 years and produced threechildren: John B. Reeves Jr., Wanda R. Fernald and Judy Flanagan.Mr. Reeves served as an employee of the United States Post Officein Brookhaven for more than 30 years, beginning as a letter carrierand rising to the post of Superintendent of Mails and AssistantPostmaster of the Brookhaven facility.

He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church ofBrookhaven. He was a lifelong member of the Men’s Bible Class andserved in numerous posts including the Building Committee,Administrative Board, Finance Committee, Missions Outreach, andhead of the Communion Ushers. He was a volunteer with the BoyScouts of America serving as the Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 119at First Methodist.

He was a founding member of Dixie Youth Baseball in Brookhaven andserved as a coach for many years. He participated in theconstruction of the field on Industrial Park Road and Lipsey Field.He coached a Brookhaven baseball team that went to the state finalsat Meridian and finished as runner-up in the tournament. Mr. Reeveswas an avid sportsman, hunter and fisherman spending hours with hisson and grandsons in those endeavors.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Alma; a sister, Alice Curtis;and brothers, Howard and Leslie Reeves. He is survived by hisbrother, Cullen Reeves and wife Helen, of Corpus Christi, Texas;his son, John Reeves and wife Debbie of, Denham Springs, La.;daughters, Wanda Fernald and husband Joe, of Brookhaven, and JudyFlanagan and husband Jim, of Athens, Ga.; and numerousgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Camp ScholarshipFund of Boy Scout Troop 119 at the First United Methodist Church ofBrookhaven.

Brookhaven Funeral Home on Natchez Avenue is in charge of funeralarrangements. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Jan. 11, from 5:30until 7:30 p.m. and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the service at 11a.m. Interment will be at Easthaven Cemetery in Brookhavenimmediately following the funeral service.