RICHMOND
James Edsel Reeves passed away on Wednesday February 14, 2024, due to “complication of too many birthdays”. He was born in Indianapolis, Indiana to James and Audre Reeves. James was raised in Greenfield, Indiana and graduated from Greenfield High School. He attended Indiana University and graduated with two degrees in Optometry. He then served in the United States Air Force for three years as the base Optometrist at George AFB, California during Vietnam War. It was there that he met the sweetest nurse from Mount Carroll, Illinois, Jean Hellyer Reeves. They were married for 46 wonderful years. He and Jean honeymooned in San Francisco and Sacramento, California. During their marriage, Jean raised Cocker Spaniels and the last one is “Jean’s Prize Apple.” Apple has been a constant companion with Edsel for many years. After their service in the United States Air Force, Jean and Edsel moved to Richmond, Indiana where he practiced for 55 years as an Optometrist. He attended 7 or 8 Optometry Seminars in Maui and Kauai, Hawaii. Edsel liked to bowl and during his 55 years of bowling, he had two perfect 300 games. He bowled in 28 ABC Tourneys around the U.S.A., in Niagara Falls, Baltimore, Jacksonville Florida, Toledo, Mobile, Omaha, Las Vegas and in Reno three times. He was All Events Champion at Indiana State Tourney with a 724 series at Cooper Bowl in Anderson. He also played golf and had two hole-in-one. Community service included serving in the Richmond Lions Club where he served as President 2 years and Vice-President for 6 years. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Award and the WP Woods Award. He served in Sertoma and was President two years and Secretary/Treasurer for four years. Edsel went through the chairs and was Exalted Ruler of the Richmond Elks Club B.P.O.E #649. He is a Life Member of the Indiana Optometric Association and Richmond Lions Club. He lost his special friend and wife Jean, AKA Peanut, who was the Mt. Carroll, Illinois High School Valedictorian. She was smart and played classical piano. God Bless her. Another best friend is Ron Warrum, Salutatorian of Greenfield High School, Best Man at his wedding and Evansville attorney. His other best friends are Sue Miller, with a great smile, and Jim Sams, another super guy. Thanks to One and All, Edsel.Memorial contributions may be made in Edsel’s name to Sunrise Therapeutic Riding Center, 2670 Minneman Road, Richmond, Indiana. Pastor Brandon Pahl will officiate a short prayer service for Edsel at 1:00 pm on Tuesday February 20, 2024, at Riggle-Waltermann Mortuary with a graveside service to follow in Earlham Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00am-1:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
