Donald Keith Reeder was born July 20, 1927 to Isome (Pat) and Dorothy (Robison) Reeder in Virgie, Ind. in his grandparents’ house. Due to being born at his grandparents, his birth certificate was signed the day the doctor came to the house, which was the day before he was born. Don grew up in Frankfort, but his summers were spent on his grandparents Reeder farm in Virgie, where he worked on the farm and raised chickens that would be sold at the end of summer to pay for his school clothes and books. He also spent a great deal of time at his grandparents Robison farm in Terhune, where he learned to ride the horses to plow. From his time on the farms, he learned “gee and haw” and was an expert handyman at anything that needed fixed. He met his wife, Elva Zae (Denham) Reeder at the Roxie Theater, where he was continually giving her the wrong change to attend the movies. Don served two stints in the Korean Conflict, being drafted both times. The first time he was a frontman artillery, but spent much time being a mechanic and also as a baker. The second time, he talked about pushing to the north and having to run all the way back to the south while carrying all of his artillery. He did not speak much of these times, but would mention very early morning phone calls from his sister, Barbara Jean, because she was a phone operator and just “wanted to see what he was doing.” Don worked at Norfolk Southern as a electrician, Robbins Electric as an electrician and at Huston Electric as an electrician. It was while he was at Huston Electric that he received his Master Electrician distinction. He also was on the board of a small banking institution as it was just getting started. Don was active in scouting, Amateur Radio, the Antique Machinery Club, Oddfellows, and was on the board of Camp Cullum. Don enjoyed reading, gardening, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and spending time in his hammock. He also fashioned a stage coach with homemade wooden wheels for his grandchildren to ride in behind the lawn mower. He also built a ¼” scale steam engine for his oldest grandson to drive at the Tipton Steam Show. His summers were spent teaching his children how to use a bow and arrow and shooting guns. The winters were for making bullets, mussleloaders and amateur radios while drinking sassafras tea from the pot on the garage stove. We can still hear him laughing as he is trying to pull one over on someone.
Visitation and Services
Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Goodwin Funeral Home, 200 S. Main St., Frankfort. Funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in Green Lawn Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association. Out of respect for the health, safety, and comfort of all in attendance, guests will be expected to adhere to current CDC guidelines regarding appropriate social distancing and the wearing of masks.
Survived by:
He is survived by three daughters, Debra (Michael) Gosewehr of Lebanon, Ind., Joan (William) Hodgen of Michigantown, Ind., Jeana (Scott) Scheurich of Lafayette, Ind. and one son, Robert (Debbie Hardebeck) Reeder of Jefferson, Ind., 14 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren.
Preceded by:
He is preceded in death by his wife, Elva Zae (Denham) Reeder, parents, a son-in-law, Terry Jenkins, his brother, Doyle Reeder, and his sister Barbara Allen.
Joan, Bill,Daniel, Brad, John, Jake & Thomas & all the great grandchildren
We were so sorry to hear about Joan’s dad passing. What a wonderful father & grandfather! He will have stories told about him forever! A legend!
We will be thinking & saying lots of prayers.
Love to everyone
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Facebook Twitter GoogleDon’s family… Max and I was so sorry to hear of Don’s passing, he will be missed. The fun we always had at the tractor shows, he was such a joy to be around, and sometime you just never knew what was going to happen.
Our prayer to all of you.
Michele and Max Smith
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI worked with Don many weekends teaching adults about scouting, what good times and memories. He had great knowledge of the outdoors and yes he pulled one one me often. My prayers are with you. God Bless.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleYou will be forever missed Dad Reeder. In life we must cherish the moments of time spend together and I certainly have many fond memories. Trash talking while fishing or just visiting, it was time so richly spent. It’s been my pleasure and honor to have known you here on this earth. I thank you
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe are so sorry for your loss Reeder family. May God be with you at this time and comfort each of you.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWe are very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Reeder. He has been our neighbor since I was in preschool. He would always surprise us with fresh green beans and homemade honey. He always had a story to tell us as well. You will be missed dearly Mr. Reeder. Prayers to the whole family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleBob, I am so sorry to hear about your father’s passing.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSorry for your loss, Debbie. Always seems even harder loosing your second parent. Prayers.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleYes, it does, Mary. Thank you.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleJeanna & Scott…I am sorry I can’t be there to give you a hug but please know I am with you in spirit & prayer. Love you! He will be missed by many!! Donna
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTrying to send a hug from Forest, IN but not sure that it has been processed. The family of the late Tex Thornton wishes to send our sincere sympathy, especially his widow Sue. Don and Tex were co-workers at Huston and enjoyed fishing together off the clock. Don always visited during the Forest Fun Festival and participated in the parade.
He and Daddy were good friends.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI enjoyed working with Don at Clinton County Amateur Radio club meetings and activities, especially the annual “Field Day”. His contributions were many and greatly appreciated. His Slumgullion Stew and cobbler were an annual treat at Field Day.
My sympathy to the family.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleI’m from the Waitman and Laura Reeder side, sorry for your loss. This is one trip we all have to make. Back to our maker, Amen.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleWilliam, thank you. Dad spoke often of Uncle Waitman and Laura.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleSorry to hear this. 73’s OM de KB9JDW
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Facebook Twitter GoogleThank you, Craig.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleTo Don family, I’m so sorry for your loss. I use to deliver Don Frankfort times newspaper he was just a awesome guy he would wait for me and talk to me when I deliver his paper he would be out there everyday if he could. He would have honey for me all the time, so sorry for your loss such a wonderful man.
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Facebook Twitter GoogleThank you, Kitty, for sharing that memory. We have a lot of good ones and appreciate being able to add another one.
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