Robert Reeves

Washington --- Robert D. Reeves, 85, passed away at 7:18pm January 1, 2009, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. Born February 7, 1923, near Gridley to Thomas H. and Ida Lynch Reeves, Bob married Kathryn M. Eigsti on July 12, 1945, in Bloomington, IL. She died on January 6, 2002. Surviving are four sons, Roger (Debbie) of Collinsville, David (Anne) of Bloomington, Jim of East Peoria and Scott (Madelyn) of Washington; one daughter, Linda (Jim) Calder of Washington, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Bob was the last surviving member of his immediate family. His father, mother, three brothers and three sisters preceded him in death. One granddaughter, Jennifer Anne Reeves, also preceded him in death. He was a former Biddy Basketball coach and a Pack 163 Cub Scout leader. He was quite active in the fraternal organization Travelers Protective Association, serving at one time as National Director. A World War II veteran, Bob was a member of the 101st Airborne Division, participating in the D-Day invasion of France and later as part of Operation Market Garden in Holland. His plane was shot down over Holland and he was held as a Prisoner of War in Germany for over seven months. He was awarded the Purple Heart for the injuries he suffered. Bob authored a self-published book, "Peoria to Munich -- A Prisoner of War" in 1991, detailing some of his experiences as a POW. His book was later excerpted in the national publication, "Chicken Soup for the Veterans Soul" in 2001. He was a life member of the American Ex-POW National Organization, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #9016, Disabled American Veterans Post #1 and the Heart of Illinois Peoria Chapter of American Ex-POWs. Bob worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for forty years, retiring in 1982 as a tool designer at the Mossville plant. He was a member of the Caterpillar Retirees Club. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Washington. Among Bob's hobbies were woodworking, golfing and corresponding with other veterans. Recently, Bob and Kathryn were honored with a commemorative bench at the Washington Veterans Memorial. He also enjoyed visiting classrooms to share his war stories and memorabilia with area students. Bob always looked forward to playing cards and swapping stories with other retirees at the Washington Senior Center and, more recently, at Five Points Washington. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Visitation will be from 10-11 am on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington, where a Time of Reflection will follow at 11am. Graveside Services will be accorded at 2pm at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL where military honors will be accorded. The family invites you to learn more of Bob's military experiences at www.LP-Net.com/pow.

Robert Reeves

February 7, 1923 - January 1, 2009