Harry Reaves

Harry Reaves

1925-2016

Harry Tracy Reaves Jr., 90, of Colfax, died Feb.21, 2016.

He was born March 4, 1925, to Harry Tracy Reaves Sr. and Annie Mae (Bailey) Reaves on the family farm near Colfax.

He attended Mt. Gibson School and graduated from Van High School in 1942.

He served in the U.S Navy during World War II as an aviation electrician's mate 1st Class aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bairoko. During his three-year service, he received the Victory, American Campaign and Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medals.

Afterwards, he attended Southern Methodist University before embarking on a 36-year career with the Cotton Belt and Southern Pacific Railroads based in Pine Bluff, Ark. He served in many leadership positions, retiring in 1983 as electrical and mechanical coordinator for the entire system.

He married Colleen Galster Reaves Sept. 22, 1950, and had three children, Harriet, John and Ruth. Following his retirement, Mr. and Mrs. Reaves moved back to Colfax and were members of First Methodist Church in Canton.

Mr. Reaves received his 70-year pin from the Colfax Lodge #904 AF&AM Masonic Lodge in Van, and was a founding member of the Colfax Community Men’s Group.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Colleen; daughters, Harriet Hardin of Wills Point, Ruth Green (Bruce) of Frisco and son Maj. (Ret.) John T. Reaves (Lisa) of New Braunfels; and grandchildren, Dr. Rachel Hardin of Dallas, Brittany, Brandon and Brady Green of Frisco and step-grandchildren Michael (Lauren) Woehler and Andi (son Tristan) Woehler, and Hope, Leah and Neal Reaves.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Tracy and Annie Reaves; sister, Peggy Reaves Townsend; brother-in-law, Wayne Townsend; and son-in-law, Marley Hardin III.

Very special thanks to the staff of Dr. Vukelja at Texas Oncology, Hospice of East Texas, Visiting Angels, especially Kambria, and Encompass Home Health Services, especially Bre and Renee.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hospice of East Texas Foundation, Tyler.