Everette Paul Reeves Jr.

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Everette Paul Reeves Jr. June 11, 1928 – March 20, 2026 | W7CHG, Silent Key CHANDLER, AZ - Everette Paul Reeves Jr., known to most as "Paul," 97, passed away peacefully on March 20, 2026, in Chandler, Arizona. Born June 11, 1928, in Judsonia, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Everett Paul Reeves Sr. and the late Olliamae Chambers Reeves Honey (the late Lt. Col. Lyle R. Honey). A pioneer of the Space Age, decorated veteran, and master of the steel guitar, Paul leaves behind a legacy of quiet, steady brilliance that believed no boundary-whether in science, sport, or song-was truly unbreakable.

Paul served his country with distinction for seven years, beginning with the U.S. Army Air Corps before transitioning to the U.S. Air Force. During the Korean War, he served as a Staff Sergeant and Radio Operator on the Fairchild C-119 "Flying Boxcar." High above the clouds, he was the voice in the air, ensuring that cargo and troops moved safely. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). His courageous service eventually earned him the Ambassador for Peace Medal in 2014, an accolade presented by the Republic of Korea and the Arizona Korean Association-a testament to a young man's courage that a grateful nation never forgot.

Following his military service, Paul pursued his passion for engineering at Valparaiso University, supporting himself as a Broadcast Engineer for WJOB in Hammond, Indiana. Paul's professional journey began at Goodyear Electronics Corporation, followed by a tenure at McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and ultimately to NASA, where he served as an Aerospace Engineer during the historic Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs. Working from the Empalme-Guaymas deep space tracking station in Mexico, Paul was one of the architects who ensured the safe return of humanity's first moon explorers.

After his tenure with NASA, Paul transitioned from the stars to his local community, founding Electronic Specialties in Tucson. As an entrepreneur, he designed, built, and repaired specialized equipment for both public and government contracts, a role that showcased his lifelong mastery of engineering. That passion for mechanical precision extended to his personal garage. A dedicated member of the Antique Automobile Association of America, Paul took immense pride in his vintage collection-whether he was fine-tuning his 1962 Corvette or meticulously tinkering with his three 1950s Triumphs. His expertise was equally evident in his respect for the history of the American West. An expert marksman, Lifetime Member of the NRA, and charter founder of the NRA Second Amendment Task Force, Paul was renowned for his skill in fast-draw exhibitions. Across every pursuit, he lived a life defined by absolute accuracy and a profound respect for craftsmanship.

Beyond the workbench and the launchpad, Paul's life resonated through the airwaves and the strings of his lap steel guitar. An avid Ham Radio operator (W7CHG) and a dedicated member of the Southwestern Steel Guitar Association, he moved effortlessly between the technical and the lyrical. Whether he was navigating the jazz and blues sets of the Rocket Room or the country-western atmosphere of the Yo Yo Club, Paul used music and radio as social bridges-connecting people across borders, frequencies, and backgrounds.

Paul's legacy reached the stars once more when his name, preserved on an SD card, journeyed aboard the Orion spacecraft. This historic flight, part of the Artemis II mission in April 2026, represents the first crewed voyage to orbit the moon in over half a century.

Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 63 years, Socorro G. Reeves; their daughter, Elizabeth "Lizz" Reeves; and his daughters, Connie Reeves Dixon (the late Sgt. James "Frank" Dixon) and Lianne Reeves; his sister, Joyce Reeves Walta (Joe Walta); his cousin, Shirley Louise "Lou" Chambers Webster (the late Dean Webster); and many other cousins and family members. Paul was preceded in death by his sister, Gladys Reeves Austgen (the late George Austgen)

Tributes: In lieu of flowers, the family requests that tributes be made to Paul's legacy of science and engineering by supporting a local STEM program, helping to inspire the next generation of pioneers.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." - 2 Timothy 4:7(ESV)

W7CHG, signing of

Services

Military Honors & Graveside Service Date: Friday, April 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM Location: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd., Phoenix, AZ

Officiating: Reverend Tawni Garcia Music: Kevin Carpenter

Celebration of Life Memorial Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM Location: Centerstage Church, 6338 S. Kings Ranch Rd., Gold Canyon, AZ Officiating: Reverend Michael E. Bryce Guest Speaker: Reverend Rob Styler Music: Kevin Carpenter, Elizabeth "Lizz" Reeves, Bryan Stewart, Cindy Rhinesmith

Reception: A small luncheon will follow the memorial service in the church cafe. All are invited to attend