Reavis R. Heiskell, Sr.
Reavis R. Heiskell, Sr. (Ret. Maj. USAF), age 80, died Sunday, April 27, 2014 at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 30 at Canton United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Forest Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 2-8 p.m., family present 6-8 p.m., at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton.
Reavis Rayborn Heiskell, Sr. was born October 2, 1933 at Okemah, OK to Troy and Vona Belle (Burford) Heiskell. At age 11, he moved with his family to Canton where he continued his education, graduating in 1951. He attended SDSU and worked in the oil fields before being drafted into the service in 1954. He was accepted into flight school in the Air Force, beginning a 20 year career in aviation. He served in Korea and Tripoli, North Africa, including several locations in the U.S. Following his retirement from the Air Force as a Major in 1974, he returned to Canton with his family. He worked in car sales at Jim Deinema Ford and was a rural mail carrier for almost 18 years. Following his retirement in 1998, he and Helen enjoyed traveling in their motor homes.
Reavis continued his lifelong love of aviation by owning several planes and even rebuilt his second plane. His grandchildren loved flying with him and many youth in Canton had their first plane ride with Reavis. He always had time for his grandchildren, which is shown by their love and respect for him. Besides flying and traveling, Reavis enjoyed fishing trips and hunting.
Reavis was very active in the community, serving on the city commission for 10 years. He also was an active member of the VFW and Forest Hill Cemetery Association. He was an avid C-Hawk fan and a member of the football chain gang, which gave a close-up view watching his grandsons play.
Reavis is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen; his children - Reavis, Jr., Vicki (Bill) Peterson, and Carmen (Clair) Gard, all of Canton; 11 grandchildren - Brendan, Keelan, Emily, and Landon Peterson, Reavis III and Charles Heiskell, Amy Bertsch, Jodi Ekle, Bob, Derek, and Brett Gard; 9 great-grandchildren - Kaleb Peterson, Lexie and Knox Kapperman, Karter Heiskell, Owen and Asher Gard, Courtney Ekle, and Zoey and Shelby Bertsch; and two sisters - Mary Ann Stewart, Durant, OK and Vivian (Charles) Holt, Norman, OK.
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My condolences to the family. Nancy Ellis
May 2, 2014
With deep Sympathy may the God of all comfort, comfort your family and friends. Cor.1:3,4
Joseph
April 29, 2014
My thoughts and prayers to all family and friends! What a great man you were Reavis and may you rest in peace!!!!
Brenda Tiemann
April 28, 2014
Rest in Peace Reavis!
Thinking of each of you, knowing how important he was to all of you. Find comfort in the memories.
Mary Mulder
April 28, 2014
My prayers are with u
Becky skinner
April 28, 2014
Thoughts & prayers for all his family in this difficult time, he was a great man!
Greg & Tara ekle
April 28, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Heiskell Family. May the God of all comfort be with your family at this time.
April 27, 2014
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