Johnny L. Reeves

Johnny L. Reeves of West Monroe, passed away on October 14, 2025. His life's work leaves a legacy that will continue to touch countless lives.
Johnny L. Reeves graduated from Epps High School before attending Northeast Louisiana College, where he earned a degree in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry in 1953. That same year, he joined the United States Army and was deployed to the Korean War as a Military Police Officer, serving honorably until January 1955. Upon returning home, Johnny continued his service in the Army Reserve for six more years, leaving with the rank of Captain.
Following his military service, Johnny began his career in the home building industry in 1960 and became a member of the Home Builders Association of Northeast Louisiana in 1975. His leadership and commitment to excellence quickly earned him the respect of his peers. He served as President of the Home Builders Association of Northeast Louisianafrom 1983 to 1989, and as President of the Louisiana Home Builders Association in 1990. He also represented Area 8-encompassing Louisiana, Arkansas, and Mississippi-on the National Association of Home Builders Board of Directors for three years.
In 2002, Johnny was honored by his colleagues with induction into the Louisiana Home Builders Hall of Fame, recognizing his lifelong dedication to craftsmanship and integrity in the home building profession.
His service extended beyond his trade. In 1993, Governor Mike Foster appointed Johnny to the State Licensing Board for Contractors, where he served faithfully for eight years. Later, in 2009, Governor Bobby Jindal appointed him to the Board of Directors of the Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corporation. Not only was Johnny a respected home builder and successful storage business owner, he was also a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Carleen Reeves, with whom he shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Johnny especially cherished his family-he was a warm hug and a listening ear for his beautiful granddaughters, and the proud head cheerleader for his football-playing grandson.
Throughout his professional and public life, Johnny Reeves remained devoted to providing quality homes for the people of Northeast Louisiana. He was an avid ULM supporter, a champion for the Miss Louisiana Scholarship Program, a loyal Freemason for 70 years, and a dedicated member of the West Monroe Rotary Club. Johnny exemplified integrity, generosity, and lifelong service to his community.
Johnny Reeves will long be remembered for his steadfast leadership, his commitment to his craft, and, above all, his deep love for his family and community. He will be remembered as a gracious Southern gentleman to most-but to those who loved him most, he will always be "Papa."
Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Carleen Griffin Reeves; parents, Charles Marion Reeves and Addie Hortman Reeves; brothers, Malcolm Leroy Reeves, Charles Rayford Reeves, James Herbert Reeves and George Nelson Reeves.
Johnny is survived by his children, Johnette Arlene Reeves of West Monroe, Christina Reeves Powers and son-in-law, Paul of Fairhope, Alabama; grandchildren, Summerlyn Addie Powers of Nashville, Tennessee and Ashlyn Pearl Powers and Ladd Smith Powers of Fairhope, Alabama.
Funeral services for Johnny will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 19, 2025 at Faith Methodist Church in West Monroe. Rev. Jon Tellifero will be officiating. A visitation for family and friends will be held at 2:00 PM until the time of service. Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, October 20, 2025 at Northeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Rayville, under the care and direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, West Monroe.