Howard "Paul'" Reeves

Howard “Paul” Reeves, age 80, of Belding, passed into the presence of his Lord on Tuesday morning, August 4, at Spectrum Health United Memorial Hospital in Greenville. He was born at home in Smyrna, Michigan, on December 28, 1939 the son of Howard Edward and Inez Ethelyn (Earle) Reeves, both of whom preceded him in death. Paul graduated from Belding High School with the Class of 1958, where he was Quarter Back of the football team, wearing the #‘26’ jersey, and then attended Western Michigan University. He married Joan Dea Hessler on August 29, 1959 at Belding Church of God and has shared 60 years of marriage with her. Paul was a farmer all of his life, carrying on the tradition of his father and grandfather. He kept busy with many additional activities including working in several capacities in Otisco Township Government serving as Treasurer, Supervisor, and Assessor at different times over a thirty-year period. Paul was an active member of Farm Bureau, Smyrna Social Club and Smyrna Bible Church where he served on the Board for many years and was supportive in countless other ways. He also volunteered for many different causes including working the “Chains” on the sidelines at Belding Football games for many years, and also served as President of the community association where he and Joan wintered in Florida.
In addition to his dear wife, Joan, Paul leaves to cherish his memory his children Kimberly (Michael Huler) Reeves of Farmington Hills, Shawn Alane Reeves of Holland, Paula Jo Byrne of Belding and Angela Lynn Bush of Belding; grandchildren, Dustin Greenway, Jennifer Groenewoud, Kyle (Ashley) Greenway, Derek Byrne, Katelyn Mogdis, Bryan Byrne, Kristen Bush and Hayden Bush; great grandchildren Ryan, BrookLynn, Lynzee, Thomas, Bailey, Brody, Landon, Addison, Kelsey, Briella and Adora; and several cousins and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, and infant brother, and special member of the family, Marvin Haines, who was like a brother to Paul, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Visitation will take place on Friday, August 7, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Smyrna Bible Church, and the Funeral service will take place on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Smyrna Bible Church with Pastors Roger Tahtinen and Darwin Hassert officiating. Private Interment services will follow the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are welcome to consider a memorial contribution in Paul’s memory to Smyrna Bible Church or Belding High School Football Team. Envelopes will be available at the services or by contacting Verdun Family Funeral Home in Belding, who is caring for the arrangements at (616) 794-1300 or www.verdunfh.com.