Larry Herman Reeves, 1942-2009

Larry Herman Reeves of Grand Junction, Colo., and Maryville, Tenn., passed away on Oct. 20, 2009 while scuba diving in Key Largo, Fla.  Larry was born on Sept. 7, 1942, in Stamford, Texas.  He was predeceased by his parents, Herman Alvis and Hylen Powell Holloway Reeves; his sister, Constance Hylen Reeves; and a brother-in-law Michael Pleas Henry.  He is survived by wife, Patricia Henry Reeves; son, Ryan Lawrence Reeves; step-son, John Bleazey II (Heidi) of Hope Mills, N.C.; step-daughter, Catharine Bleazey Hatcher (Michael) of Knoxville, Tenn.; step-grandchildren, John III (Jack) and Curtis Bleazy of Hope Mills, N.C.; mother-in-law, Zurma Henry Caldwell of Knoxville; brothers, Jerry Reeves (Dawn) of Aubrey, Texas, Kelly Reeves (Pauletta) of Austin, Texas, and Robin Reeves (Debbie) of Murphy, Texas; sisters-in-law, Diana Combs (Doug) of Edmund Okla., Phyllis Strange (Richard) of Knoxville; brothers-in-law, Bruce Henry (Robin) of Maryville and Bob Caldwell (Nan), San Jose, Calif.; and numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.  Also survived by Kay Mattzinger, Bonnie Lund, and Linda Reeves.  He received his undergraduate degree at North Texas State University.  He earned a master’s degree, had an additional 45 graduate hours, and had attended numerous workshops and training programs.  He was working on a physics degree when he discovered he loved teaching and taught science for 35 years, one year in Texas, one year in a Department of Defense school in the Philippines, and 33 years in Grand Junction, Colo. at Bookcliff and Mount Garfield middle schools.  He loved getting students outdoors for environmental education experiences.  He helped establish outdoor programs for students, including a camping program, ski clubs, and hiking field trips.  He created an outdoor program at Mount Garfield Middle School and continued to volunteer with the program after his retirement ten years ago.  He volunteered in his wife’s kindergarten classroom at Lanier Elementary School in Maryville for seven years until she retired.  Larry saw the good and believed in the good in all people.  He worked to establish collegial working relationships in the school districts where he served on committees.  He also was a trainer in the Chadwick Consensus Building Model.  He served as president, board member and bargaining team member at the Mesa Valley Education Association.  He also represented fellow educators as he served on the Colorado Education Association Board of Directors (12 years), and on the National Education Association Board of Directors (six years), as well as serving on numerous association committees.  Larry’s love of nature and all things outdoors was contagious.  He loved to ski, raft, bicycle, hike, golf, camp,  and fly his powered parachute.  He and Patricia shared a very active life.  He so loved his family and was very much loved by them.  He will be truly missed but has left this world a better place.  A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, at 10 a.m. at Mount Garfield Middle School.  Afterwards there will be a hike to Miracle Rock in Glade Park.  In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Larry Reeves Outdoor Education Fund.  Mail checks to Mount Garfield Middle School, 3475 Front St., Clifton, CO 81520.  Make reference to the Larry Reeves Outdoor Education Fund.  Arrangements by McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home, Maryville, Tenn., 865-982-6812, www.mccammonammonsclick.com.