Ira L. Reeves

Ira L. Reeves 85 of Murphysboro passed away Friday, July 16, 2010 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO., of complications from surgery. Ira was born in Murphysboro on Sept. 24, 1924 a son to the late Arthur and Mae (DeRossett) Reeves. After graduating from Murphysboro Township High School in 1942, Ira proudly served in the 87th Infantry Division in Europe, earning the Purple Heart in Belgium. Ira earned his Education Degree from Carthage College in 1949. While attending Carthage, he met the love of his life, Adell Heim and they were united in marriage on May 17, 1948 in Carthage. Ira taught school and coached at Mt. Carbon School, Gorham, and Murphysboro for 38 years. Ira and Adell retired together and began traveling. Ira then worked on the Jackson County Board of Review from 1993 until his death. He also served as a Murphysboro Township Trustee from 1997 until his death. He enjoyed attending the Golden Acorn Division reunions around the U.S. with Adell. They also travelled and cooked for the Black Knights Drum and Bugle Corps for several years. Ira was a member of the American Legion Paul Stout Post 127, the Murphysboro Lions Club, and was a faithful member of the First Christian Church in Murphysboro. He enjoyed a wide variety of sports including Murphysboro Athletics, SIU football, and the St. Louis Cardinals. He enjoyed fishing and sharing stories with his coffee buddies uptown. Ira was preceded in death by his wife Adell, brother Edward of Marengo, IL. ,son Michael of Griffin, IN. and granddaughter Blake of Murphysboro. Survivors include children: Susan (David) Fischer of Albuquerque NM, Bill of Anna, IL. Jim (Susan) of Townsend GA, Randal of Belvidere, IL., Kevin (Marla) of Murphysboro, IL., Ron (Linda Raters) of O'Fallon, MO., Janice (Alex) Paull of Carbondale, IL., Steve (Paula) of Henderson, NV, daughter-in-law Marj Reeves of Winamac, IN; grandchildren: Julie Reeves, Michael (Lucinda) Reeves, Becky Reeves, Daniel Fischer, Kimberly (Samual) Penn, Nicholas Fischer, Brooke Reeves, Adam Paull, Sarah Paull, Rachael Paull, and Cameron Schwenk; great grandchildren: Abigail Penn, Lucas Penn and Abraham Reeves, one sister-in-law Margaret Reidl and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11am Friday, July 23, 2010 at Crawshaw Funeral Home in Murphysboro, IL., Pastor David Hunt of the First Christian Church will officiate, burial will follow at Pleasant Grove Memorial Park with military rites by the American Legion Post 127 and V.F.W. Post 7190 both of Murphysboro, V.F.W. Post 2605 of Carbondale and the Jackson County Disabled American Veterans Chapter 69. Visitation from 4 to 8 pm on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at the funeral home. Memorials are encouraged and may be made to American Cancer Society, Lions of Illinois Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Ira L. Reeves

September 24, 1924 - July 16, 2010