David Eugene Reaves Sr.

Longtime Alaska and Sterling resident, David Eugene Reaves Sr., 74, died Dec. 30 peacefully at his home in Sterling.

A private military service will be held on June 19, 2009 where a portion of his ashes will be inured at Fort Richardson National Cemetery. Other portions of his ashes will be scattered on his old homestead property and in Hawaii where he had always hoped to travel. A Celebration of Life will be held for extended family and friends at 1 p.m., June 20, 2009 at the American Legion Post 35, Mile 46 Parks Highway in Wasilla. For further information about the public service contact David Reaves Jr. at 907-262-4858.

Mr. Reaves was born June 20, 1934 to Ernest and Clara (Stanphill) Reaves in Blue Mountain, Miss. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education at Delta State University, formerly known as Delta State College, in Cleveland, Miss., in 1956 and furthered his education at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Mr. Reaves served in the Army Reserves, was drafted in 1956 and achieved the rank of SP4 before he was honorably discharged in 1962. He moved to Alaska in 1956 where he homesteaded outside Wasilla, off of Hollywood Road. Mr. Reaves moved to Sterling in 2004 where he resided until his passing.

Mr. Reaves began working as a band director at Ringgold Junior and Senior High Schools in Ringgold, Ga., in 1956. He then became district manager of the Anchorage Daily News in Anchorage in 1960. In 1961 he became the Assistant Superintendent at Alcantra Youth Camp in Wasilla. Because he loved being outdoors, he chose to spend the rest of his working life in construction as a heavy-equipment operator in Alaska and in Oregon from which he retired in 1996.

Mr. Reaves played trombone with the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra for five years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, music and gardening.

Mr. Reaves was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his daughter Heidi Tabb of Westmoreland, Kansas; daughter and son-in-law, Nickie and Craig Nelson of Anchorage; sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Pam Reaves of Pfafftown, N.C., and David and Tricia Reaves of Soldotna; granddaughters, Tabi Tabb of Wamego, Kansas and Heather Nelson of Anchorage; grandsons, Jacob Nelson of Anchorage; Kaleb, Luke and Brady Reaves all of Soldotna; great-granddaughter Brooke Myers of Wamego, Kansas; sister, Margaret Hadley of Fort Worth, Texas; brothers, Jimmy Reaves of Nolensville, Tenn., and Donald Reaves of Coldwater, Miss.; and many other extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David’s memory to the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts by contacting Codie Costello 907-263-2908.

Arrangements were by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.