Theodore Reeves

FESTUS - Theodore J. Reeves died on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at the age of 83. He is survived by his loving wife of twenty years, Doris J. (Frazier-Kerby) Reeves; children, Susan Gilbert, William Reeves (Debra), Sally Reeves and Thomas "Joe" Reeves; grandchildren, John "Thomas" Gilbert, Scott Gilbert, Hannah Reeves (Michael Bostwick), Casey Reeves, Amy Hayman, Jake Hayman, Robert "Cody" Hayman, and Justin Reeves; step-granddaughter, Emily Ponath (Jeff); stepson, Rex Kerby (Christy); step-grandchildren, Cody Kerby and Heather Mackenzie Kerby; great granddaughter, Eugenia "Hennie" Reeves Bostwick; sisters-in-law, Connie (Robert) Wooten, Carolyn (James) Thompson, Nellie Barger (John), Deborah Deatherage (Daniel); brother-in-law, Roy James Frazier (Cheryl); aunt Mildred Penry and cousin Bud Reeves (Sue). He was preceded in death by one son, Daniel J. Reeves. He was also preceded in death by his beloved dog and faithful companion, Mollie "Precious."

Ted was one of the initial principal partners of Penrod-Reeves-Gastorf, a St. Louis-based utility contracting firm. He later associated with Bloomsdale Excavating Company, then formed and served as president of GWS Contractors, Inc. in Park Hills for over 30 years. He was past president of the Missouri Association of Plumbing, Heating and Cooling Contractors. He also served on several committees with the Mechanical Contractors Association of Eastern Missouri. He was selected and served as a representative of the People-to-People Exchange Group in an international exchange program with the People's Republic of China. Ted served as Chairman of the Festus-Crystal City Sewage Treatment Commission from 1993-2003. He was a licensed professional surveyor, master plumber, mechanical engineer, inventor and entrepreneur. During his career he befriended many and was well-regarded in the industry.

 Ted received his bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy (formerly UMR, now Missouri School of Science and Technology). He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. At the age of seventy-nine he was inducted into the UMR Sports Hall of Fame, as a former member of the 1947-1950 UMR track and field team. He excelled at many sports, including football, track and boxing, and spent many untold hours as a volunteer coach for others.

Ted was an active member of American Legion Post #253, VFW Post 3777 and Festus Elks Lodge 1721. He served on several local advisory boards in and around the Festus/Crystal City area.

Ted invested much of his time and energy mentoring his children and grandchildren and he served as a pillar of strength and guidance to his wife and family. Those who knew him will miss his heartfelt kindness, sense of humor, friendship, intellect and his contagious love of life.

In State Visitation, 4-8 p.m. Sunday, October 30 at Mahn Funeral Home, Festus Chapel. Services will be held at Mahn Funeral Home, 515 Collins Drive, Festus, Missouri, on Monday October 31, 2011 at 11 a.m. Interment will be immediately following the funeral service and will be held at Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens, 709 Leland Drive, Festus, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Leukemia Society of America at 500 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10016-1900 or American Red Cross.