Billie Joe Reeve

BILLIE JOE REEVE
Billie Joe Reeve, age 66, of Osawatomie, Kansas, died unexpectedly, September 6, 2011 at his home.


Bill was born November 27, 1944 at Richmond, California. He was the fifth of six children born to Harold Vernon and Eva Mae (Randolph) Reeve. He attended several Grade Schools as his father worked in the oil fields. He graduated from Lane High School in the class of 1962. After graduation he went into the military. He joined the US Naval Reserve, January 9, 1963 and attained the rank of E4. Then released to inactive duty January 8, 1966. He then joined the US Air force on March 15, 1966, where he served four years. He was discharged with the rank of Sgt. E4.

Bill was united in marriage to Cheryl Dianne Havens at Rantoul, Kansas on October 31, 1963. They made their home in Osawatomie, Ks. and became the parents of four children.

He started working for the Missouri Pacific Railroad in the early 70’s on a section gang, then moving into maintenance. He retired in the early 90’s as a Carman from the Union Pacific Railroad due to a disability. After retirement he received two Associates Degrees, of Science and Arts, through the Fort Scott Community College, Fort Scott, Ks.

He was an active member in the Elks Lodge #921 of Osawatomie, Ks. Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, VFW Post #3712 of Paola, Ks. American Legion Post #156 OF Paola, Ks, Transportation Communications International Union and IAM.

He was preceded in death by his son, Billie Joe Reeve II; his parents; brother, Jimmie Dale Reeve; grandson Dustin Michael Maimer.

He was survived by his wife, Dianne of the home; three daughters, Cheri and husband Mark Maimer of Green Ridge, Mo., Shani Reeve of Hungtinton Beach California and Erica, husband Chris Smith of Osawatomie, Ks.; one brother, Sonny and Charlene Reeve of Lane, Ks.; three sisters, Pat and Terry Walters of Salina, Ks, Dee and Larry Lombard of Higginsville, Mo., Helen Karigan of Lane, Ks.; five grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held 2pm Sunday, September 11, 2011 at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home. Visitation will be 5-7pm Saturday, September 10, 2011. Burial will be in the Osawatomie Cemetery with full Military Honors. Memorials to the Billie Joe Reeve Memorial Fund can be sent to the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home, 203 Main, P.O. Box 430, Osawatomie, Kansas 66064.

Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home (913) 755-2114. www.eddybirchard.com