JOHN DURWARD REAVIS

1916 - 2014

JOHN DURWARD REAVIS John Durward Reavis, 98, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 05, 2014, at his home in Seguin, TX. He was born on March 20, 1916 in Refugio, TX to George Bertie and Rosie Ella Gillum Reavis. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Maness Reavis, and son Randy Reavis (Kathy), and step daughters Rhonda Mercer, Annette Welker, Shari Shepard and step son Mark Curry; grandchildren, Wayne (Tricia) Reavis, James Robert Reavis, and Nancy (Nick) Stoner and great grandchildren, John Race and Jonesy Stoner, Lindy Beth and John Patton Reavis. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Alice Raum Reavis, and four sisters, Zula, Zelma, Elvis ("Polly") and Eldred, and one brother, George Irving. J.D.'s parents came to Refugio, TX, his birthplace, by covered wagon. J.D. served as a WWII veteran in the Army. He came to the Rio Grande Valley in 1949 and was followed by his family in 1950 where they lived in Citrus City, until they later moved to Edinburg. J.D. was a pioneer citrus grower in Water District 16 in Mission and served on that water board for 39 years. He was also in the butane business and a speculator in the real estate business. In 1964 he was selected as the Outstanding Conservation Farmer in Zone 5, Willacy-Hidalgo District 312. One of his great passions was farming in Moree, New South Wales Australia, where he and his family visited many times. He also loved raising registered cattle which included various breeds over the years. Even though he was a product of the depression, many people did not know how he helped family, friends and employees when they needed it. And anyone who knew J.D. also knew that he loved going to Las Vegas to play blackjack. He was quite successful at it, culminating in a blackjack tournament win at the Stardust Hotel. Kreidler Funeral Home on Tenth Street in McAllen will be handling the visitation on Wednesday, September 10th, 2014 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. kreidlerfuneralhome.com Sign the guest book at www.themonitor.com/obituaries