David Reeves

"Details of the May 1 Memorial Celebration are on the Visitation/Service page"

David D. (Dave) Reeves, age 69 of Vicksburg passed away February 18, 2012 at his home. Following his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. A public celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 1 at the Robert J. Bobb Stadium, Hyames Field Western Michigan University. Dave’s family includes his wife of 43 years, Patricia; his children: Shannon (Andy) Preda, David J. (Tabatha) Reeves; grandchildren: Nicholas, Alex, Madelyn, Liam, Owen; brother, Thomas Reeves; sister, Mary Beth Reeves; sister-in-law; Kathleen Tosco and brother-in-law, Robert Small.

Following in his father Jack Reeves’ footsteps, Dave made his mark early as a local athlete. He is a 1961 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School where he was a three sport standout, earning 9 varsity letters in football, basketball, and baseball. Dave completed both BA and MA degrees at Western Michigan University where, as an undergrad, he won 3 varsity letters in baseball, playing every inning of every game during the 1963-65 seasons. During his notable career as first baseman, Dave was twice selected for All-MAC teams, earned NCAA All-Region recognition, won the MAC Region title, served as Team Captain, and played in the College World Series. Dave also served as a Graduate Assistant Coach for the Broncos under Coach Charlie Maher.

After graduation, Dave began a 35 year career at Portage Northern High School where he served as a teacher, coach, and Guidance Counselor. As the PNHS head Baseball Coach, Dave and his teams achieved 8 championship seasons with G-K, Conference, District, Regional, and State Final Four titles. After Multiple Sclerosis ended his coaching career in 1981, Dave turned his full attention to counseling, mentoring, and motivating students. He was selected for 6 Kalamazoo County Significant Educator Awards and continued to be a motivational speaker, mentor, and role model after retiring from PNHS in 2002. Dave was inducted into the Portage Northern Athletic Hall of Fame in 1994 and the WMU Bronco Athletic Hall of Fame in 2006. He also received the PNHS 1972 Spirit Award and the Helms Perseverance Award.

In the final months of Dave’s 40 year marathon with Multiple Sclerosis, numerous friends, family, and former athletes, colleagues, and classmates reached out to let him know how he touched their lives, lifted their spirits, and motivated them. Dave’s family wishes to specially thank his “final stretch” team for filling Dave’s last months with great memories, conversations, and loving care. Gifts in memory of David D. Reeves can be made to the Western Michigan University Mike Gary Athletic Fund – David Reeves Memorial Baseball Fund at http://bit.ly/xYwZxp. Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held 1:00 pm, May 1, 2012 at the Robert J. Bobb Stadium at Hyames Field WMU; ballpark attire welcome.