Dr. Reeves

Dr. John Purcell Reeves left this earth Wednesday, February 21, 2018.

John was born in Sugdan, Oklahoma on February 24, 1925, the middle child to his parents, Mamie Purcell Reeves and William Wyatt Reeves. He immediately enlisted in the United States Navy and served in the Pacific theater during World War II. After the war Dr. Reeves attended the University of Texas and upon graduation in 1951 was accepted for study into the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. He graduated from UTMB with a MD degree in June 1955 and then served one-year rotating internship in General Medicine at Pierce County Hospital in Tacoma, Washington.

Dr. Reeves arrived in Texas City in July of 1956, associated with the late Dr. Henry Schmidt and pursued the practice of general medicine as well as surgery in Texas City for the ensuing 50 years. During his tenure of service to the community he had the privilege of serving on the staff of both Mainland Hospital and the now defunct Danforth Hospital where he was honored to serve for 1 year as a Chief of Staff at both institutions. He was staff member at Mainland for 49 years.

Dr. Reeves conducted a private medical practice for 37 years and for at least 13 years of his active medical practice he was a staff physician at the Mall Clinic operated by UTMB.

Dr. Reeves married the late Francis Marie Maher in 1955. Their union produced three children, Stephanie Johnson of Deerfield, Illinois, Diedra Kerr of Austin, Texas, and William Wyatt III who is now deceased. After 37 years of marriage, Francis passed away suffering from multiple illness. Dr. Reeves then married his long-time friend and employee of 18 years Kay Arlene Transier Ivy.

Preceding him in death was also his brother, William Wyatt Reeves II, and his sister Margurite Irene Smith of Hilton Head Island of South Carolina.

Dr. Reeves enjoyed various interests in life; a sailor, a doctor of medicine, an aviator, a rancher, a hunter of wild game, a poet, a designated examiner for the FAA, a teacher of medical students, and after retiring a student of Spanish.

For most part of his career he was privileged to mentor as a preceptor of third year medical students in their community practicing rotation. Twice, first in 1999, and again in 2006 The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas honored him with teacher of distinction (top doc) award.

Dr. Reeves, on two different occasions as an interim Galveston County Health Officer and during his second tenure was practically instrumental in obtaining a grant for the health services known as the Four C's Clinics. Dr. Reeves retired from active medical practice at the age of eighty.

Dr. Reeves leaves behind his beloved wife, Kay; his aforementioned children and his grandchildren David Johnson, Sean Johnson, Carrie Johnson, Kelley Kerr, Amanda Kerr and Darby Kerr.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 26, 2018 with a visitation from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., at Emken-Linton Funeral Home in Texas City, Texas.

Special thanks to the Hospice Care Team Christine, Amanda and Pam.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association of America or American Cancer Society.

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