Donald Reaver

Donald Victor Reaver was born to Charles and Carol in Columbus, OH May 1, 1930. He and his brother Bob grew up in Grove City, outside of Columbus on Reaver Lane, near a small airport that his dad owned. Don's dad taught him how to fly at fourteen years of age. Don was featured in a local newspaper for receiving his pilot's license on his sixteenth birthday, the earliest age allowed by law. Don not only enjoyed flying through the air in a plane, he also flew through the air as a high school pole vaulter and was very competitive at the state tournament level. Don received a business degree in Industrial Management from Ohio State University in Columbus. He began working for Buckeye Steel while flying the P51 Mustang, and later the F84, for the Air National Guard out of Lockbourne Air Force Base. Don's 166th squadron was notable because none of the pilots died while flying, which was highly unusual at the time. Phyllis and Don met at a YMCA dance where Phyllis was captivated by this handsome pilot. One of Don's most memorable serenades was a midnight plane ride on Phyllis's birthday under a brilliant moon. Don and Phyllis were married on June 24, 1955 and had four children: Curt, Cindy, Becky and Leslie. Don was a hard worker. Phyllis used to say that Don was working 7 ½ days a week, between being a foreman with Buckeye and flying for the Guard. In 1965, Don joined American Airlines and moved his family to American's Nashville hub, while continuing to fly for the Guard. The family lived in Donelson, while they built their current home on Lake Valley Rd in Hendersonville. Don retired from the Guard after 20 years of service with the rank of Major and retired from American Airlines with 25 years of service. Don and his family have lived on Lake Valley Rd for over 44 years and have enjoyed a lifetime of fun raising horses, competing in western games and boating on the lake. An unforgettable time was when the family took home thirteen trophies while competing at the State Meet with the Hendersonville Saddle Club. A standout event was the barrel rescue, won by Curt and Leslie. Don enjoyed boating, biking, golfing and snow skiing, but softball was his favorite. Don's dad taught him to pitch when he was 10 years old and he never stopped loving the game. Don would schedule his flights with American to avoid games and schedule surgeries to maximize his availability to play. He even avoided moving to a higher paying aircraft because his drop in seniority would negatively impact his ability to work around his softball schedule. Don played on the St. Timothy Lutheran Church men's team, he played co-ed ball with Phyllis and his daughters, and was still playing in the Senior League at the time of his passing. He and Phyllis were an inspiring pitcher/catcher combination. Don and Phyllis joined St. Timothy in 1968 when they moved to Hendersonville and soon after Don served on the search committee that selected Pastor Frank. Don served on the Church Council, played on their men's softball team and helped coach their girls' basketball team. He attended worship and adult Sunday School classes with Phyllis. Don absolutely adored his five grandchildren Maleya, Ben, Matthew, Lauren and Joshua. It was a rare exception for Don to miss any of his grandchildren's school, family, or sporting events. One of the many reasons Don will be sorely missed was that he was always there for his family. Whether it was picking up one of the grandchildren from school, looking after them, taking them to some event, or running an errand for them; you could always count on Don to help. Don never met a stranger, he had a great sense of humor, he was quick to offer a compliment and always had a smile on his face. We thank you for joining us today in our celebration of Don's very special life. Don passed away Saturday, March 3, 2012.. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, teammate, and friend. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. In Lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church for the Carillon Bells Fund. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, March 11, 2012 at 2p.m. at St. Timothy Lutheran Church of Hendersonville with Pastor Lewis Groce officiating. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 3 p.m. in Hendersonville Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10, 2012 from 1-3 p.m. and 6-8p.m. and on Saturday from 2p.m.-3p.m. at HENDERSONVILLE FUNERAL HOME 353 Johnny Cash Pkwy Hendersonville, TN 37187 615 824-3855 hendersonvillefh.com