John Reeves

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

John (J) Reeves, beloved Husband, Dad, Papa, and Great Papa, passed into the loving arms of his Savior Jesus Christ after a valiant fight against lung failure on September 9th in Joplin, Missouri. 

John was born in Buford, AR on January 26, 1941, to Edgar and Loraine (Pitchford) Reeves, both now deceased. John was a 1959 graduate of Mountain Home AR High School. 

Following graduation he joined the United States Air Force in August, 1959, and was honorably discharged in May, 1964. This is where John and Kathryn Sumpter Reeves’ love story begins and the Webb City/Joplin area becomes his hometown. John’s Air Force assignment in 1960 was Oronogo, MO, locally referred to at the time as “Radar Hill." 

Although he had several temporary 90-day placements to other radar train sites, they were never too far away. We started dating in 1960 and married on July 1, 1962, and have been blessed with 58 wonderful years of a strong beautiful marriage. We have the best “Fam Bam” anyone could ever imagine!! 

In 1970 we welcomed our daughter, Kristen Renee Cristy, married to Kent and in 1976 we were excited to become parents again to daughter Karen Denise Brownfield. John’s harem of girls grew to include four granddaughters Kortlynn Renee Cristy Burgess married to Tyler, Kaylee Jean Cristy Gatlin, married to Alex, Abby Elaine Brownfield, and Kathryn Elizabeth Brownfield. Rounding out Fam Bam are Papa’s Greats Ivey Drew and Nash McKnight Burgess. 

At a young age, John surrendered his life to Jesus and was baptized. He attended small country churches with his family, grandparents, and cousins while growing up, but after our children were born he felt a real desire to rededicate his life to God to be the best witness he could be for others so as to not cause anyone to stumble. He studied and strived to do just this. 

Our children would tell you “it is either black or it is white, it is either right or it is wrong”. John served as a Deacon at Webb City First Baptist Church and was Secretary of the Men’s Sunday School Class.
After John completed his Air Force assignment, he enrolled at Joplin Junior College which later became Missouri Southern State College and studied business. 

Just short of completing his degree, he determined he could make more money in sales than graduating accountants were starting at so that was when business came calling and school stopped a semester and a half short! 

In 1978 John had the opportunity to purchase Vandever Tire Company at 1108 W. 4th Street in Joplin and became a business owner, and started “Rollin' on my Reeves Tires”. His honesty, determination, and hard work, along with faithful co-workers, built a future for Reeves Tire & Automotive. 

In 1995 the business had grown and really needed extra space and moved to 806 E, 7th St. in Joplin. In 2000 we sold the business to Kristi, Kent and Karen. John semi-retired and moved next door to 810 E. 7th St. to Reeves Auto Sales and returned to his life-time career hobby of selling used cars which he loved. I teased him about hanging out at his “man cave” but I knew he loved it and he had so many great visits and discussions every day with his good friends. He also enjoyed getting to watch from the sideline as the tire business continued to grow under the new leadership to expand to two other locations, one in Webb City and the other in Carthage. 

 
John will be dearly missed but held close in our hearts by his loving wife and FamBam listed above but also by: Brother-and Sister-in-Law Ed and Gloria Sumpter, Sister-and Brother-in-Law Lori and Vince Oberley, Sister-in Laws Silvia Sumpter, and Emma Reeves. Nephews: Michael Sumpter, Scott Sumpter, Tyler Oberley, Nathan Oberley, Steve Reeves, Rick Reeves, and Tony Tindall. Nieces: Gretchen Sumpter Irwin, Leigh Ann Sumpter Goswick, Cindy Fields, Becky Pedigo, and Nancy Wells. Adopted by heart Daughter Wendy Johnson and Grandsons Maddy and Phoenix Johnson. He also has many cousins he loved dearly who shared such close relationships growing up together in Arkansas who will miss him so much, and so many dear, dear close friends who he saw and worked with every day that he thought the world of and was concerned about if they missed a day without him hearing from them. He had best friends who moved to Texas years ago but still remain in our lives. These are all people he considered his family. 

 
He was predeceased by his father-and mother-in-law Thomas and Irene Sumpter and very recently by his brother-in-law Danny Sumpter. Also by his four siblngs: Joyce Stauts and her husband Charles Ray Stauts, Gerald (Jerry) Reeves, Billy Reeves, and Linda Tindall. 

 
The family will be present for a visitation for John on Sunday, September 13th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM at the First Baptist Church in Webb City. Services will be held 11:00 AM Monday at the First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family is encouraging donations to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home to honor John’s heart for children. Donations by check may be made payable to Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in care of First Baptist Church 102 N. Roane, Webb City, MO 64870. 

Please visit www.simpsonfh.com for online condolences. 

 
Arrangements are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home in Webb City.