Reeder, Donald “Doc” G.

Reeder, Dr. DonaldDonald G. ‘Doc’ Reeder, 83, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, August 2, 2015.

He was born December 11, 1931 in Camden, Illinois to Ralph and Eva Shelts Reeder.

Donald grew up on farms in Schuyler and McDonough Counties, where he learned from his parents the value of hard work, education, and being of service to others.

In 1951, Donald married Roberta Joan Beckerdite, the love of his life. She preceded him in death in June of 2013.

Don was a graduate of Bushnell High School, where he was recognized as an Illinois FFA State Star Farmer. After serving his country in Japan during the Korean War, Don decided to return to school. He completed his pre-veterinary studies at Western Illinois University, and graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1960.

Don and Roberta were the parents of three children, Mary Reeder Panther (Michael) of Galesburg, Daniel Reeder (Janet Gillen), and Scott Reeder (Joan) of Sherman. They were also the proud grandparents of seven grandchildren, Megan Panther Wang (Herman) of Washington, D.C., Reed Panther (Deanne) of Glen Ellyn, Devin Reeder of Little York, Ellen Reeder of Bettendorf, Iowa, and Grace, Anna, and Caitlin Reeder of Sherman. In July Don was excited to meet his first two great-grandsons, Hudson Panther and Desmond Wang, who were both born in March.

Following his graduation from veterinary school, Don moved his family to Galesburg to open Knox Veterinary Clinic. His practice included work with both family pets and farm animals. Some of his children’s fondest memories are of accompanying him on his country calls throughout Knox County.

Don was a born leader and problem solver.   He designed a cooker for the Knox County Pork Producers, which is still used at community and church events. He holds patents for two of his farm related inventions. In the 1970s and 1980s Don led several construction and medical mission teams to remote areas of Central and South America. Following the 1976 earthquake in Guatemala, Don drove a restored Army truck full of medical supplies through Mexico to the affected areas. In 2001, he helped organize a group of teens in the building of a house in Rio Bravo, Mexico.

During the 1970s, Don began a second career as a grain and livestock farmer. He used his expertise as swine practitioner to create a successful hog operation.

Don was an active volunteer at Knox County Habitat for Humanity for many years, where he loved anything related to pouring cement. He served on the Board of the Galesburg Rescue Mission until his death, and worked tirelessly to help in their mission. Don was a member of the Galesburg Kiwanis Club for over 50 years, and was recently recognized as a past president and Hixson Fellow.

Don was active in the life of First United Methodist Church for the last 55 years, serving in almost every capacity, including Chair of the Administrative Board, and Chair of the Mission Commission. In recent years, the Friday morning prayer breakfast group was an important part of his life.

Upon retirement, Don spent many happy hours working in his woodshop. His children and grandchildren are the recipients of cherished pieces of his handiwork.

Don will be dearly missed by many, but led a life of devotion to God, his family, and his community. His life made a difference. Service was a lifestyle for him. Until the very end, when asked how he was feeling, he would turn the question around and ask how he could serve others.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James; his son, Daniel; and Roberta, his wife of almost 62 years.

Friends may call on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel between 5 and 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 6, 2015 at 10 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Galesburg. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Thursday in Brooklyn Cemetery in Brooklyn, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, Knox County Habitat for Humanity, Galesburg Rescue Mission, or a charity of choice. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.

 

 

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