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In Memory

Donald D. (Dingy) Reeves - Class Of 1951

Donald D. Reeves

1932 - 2023

Donald D. Reeves obituary, 1932-2023, San Jose, CA

On April 5, 2023 we sadly said goodbye to Donald Duane Reeves, devoted husband, and loving Dad, Poppa, Pops, and Pa. The youngest of five children, he was born to Orvia & Hazel Reeves on March 21, 1932 in Palo Alto, CA. His mother had been diagnosed with tuberculosis while pregnant with him, and against her doctor's recommendation, she insisted on continuing the pregnancy to give him life, despite knowing it would shorten hers...a selfless decision we are all very thankful for. After his mother passed away, his stepmom Alice Reeves joined the family to continue raising him.

Don was proud to be a native Californian. He graduated from Palo Alto High School in 1951, where he excelled at football, baseball & rugby, earning an athletic scholarship. After several years of college, he joined the United States Air Force, and served our country during the Korean War. Upon completing his tour in the Air Force, he met the love of his life, Carol Russell. The minute he laid eyes on her, he told his buddy "I'm going to marry that girl", and he did. They raised three kids who were blessed to grow up in a home filled with love, laughter, and music. Together, Don & Carol were the ultimate example of true, lifelong love.

Don was an avid San Francisco 49ers fan...all the way back to the Kezar Stadium days. He was an excellent golfer and was lucky enough to be chosen as a Marshall at the 2000 Pebble Beach Classic, the highlight of which was watching Tiger Woods play, among his other golf heroes. Don also had a passion for Little League baseball. Once while watching one of his son's baseball games, he started yelling at the umpire from the stands. Carol told him to "knock it off…if you think you can do better, you should get out there yourself". Thus began 40 years as a volunteer umpire for District 44-Moreland Little League, highlighted by the privilege of being chosen to umpire behind the plate at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. He was also invited to umpire the Little League Play-offs in Honolulu, Hawaii, and was a guest umpire in Calgary, Canada for Little League Canada. Over the years he mentored countless kids in good sportsmanship and fair play.

Don enjoyed a 40-year career as a Facilities Engineer at Hewlett-Packard, before retiring in 1997. He filled his retirement years with golf, pool parties, family get-togethers and travel. He especially loved spending time in Hawaii and Carmel with Carol, and their many friends.Always a jokester, he was known for his great sense of humor. He loved his family deeply, and we are all heartbroken at the loss of such a good man.

Don is survived by his wife of 62 years Carol; his daughter Sue, sons Mike & John; grandkids Jennifer, Katelyn, Jessica, Greg, Rachel, John Robert, and Lucas; great-grandkids Shaelee, Chloe, Violet, Micah, Larkin, and Uriah as well as many lifelong friends. He will be forever missed by all who knew and loved him, but the memories & love that he left behind will be carried in our hearts forever. .

Published by Mercury News on Jun. 25, 2023.

 

 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/mercurynews/name/donald-reeves-obituary?id=52315712