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Mickey Reeves
Date Of Birth:September 3, 1942
Date Of Death:August 21, 2010
Service Date:Services will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday at Allen Funeral Home.

Mickey Dale Reeves, 67, died peacefully and unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, August 21, 2010. Beloved husband, beloved father, beloved brother, beloved friend, devoted teacher, Mickey was a man who loved life.  Few who crossed his path ever forgot that he had touched their lives in some way.  Mickey was born at home on South Lincoln Street in Bloomington, Ind., on September 3, 1942, to Bonita Pennington Reeves and Maurice Pauley Reeves. The Reeves family were members of the First Christian Church, where Mickey was baptized and where he attended church and youth groups as a young man.  Elm Heights Elementary, Bloomington Junior High School and Bloomington High School (class of 1960) provided Mickey with a good education, although he unrepentantly remembered spending a few high school periods downtown in search of more exciting adventures.  One of Mickey’s great loves was the game of basketball, and his height of 6’ 7” garnered him the center position on Bloomington High School's basketball team. He excelled in the sport and led Bloomington High School to the Final Four games in 1960. That same year, he also was #4 on the Indiana State All Star basketball team.  Playing ball for Mickey, though, was always a means to an end – the high school classroom.  He attended West Virginia Wesleyan University to become a teacher, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in social studies while leading the West Virginia Wesleyan teams to many titles and championships, and personally receiving various MVP awards and other honors.  Following his graduation from West Virginia Wesleyan, Mickey returned to Bloomington and began his teaching career at Central Junior High School, simultaneously working on his Master of Science in Education degree at Indiana University, which he completed in 1969.  He also served as basketball coach during his time at Central.  When Bloomington High School North opened in 1972, Mickey began teaching there, and remained there until his retirement in 2004.  A life-long Bloomingtonian, there were few places in town that he didn't know and love.  He had hunted or fished almost every open area and local lake and creek, and all of the stories of those expeditions centered on the people who were there with him because first and foremost, Mickey was a friend and a teacher.  Whether he focused on European History or Economics or Archery, he was never happier than when he was in front of a classroom of students or teaching his wife how to hook a 5-pound Bass.  He hunted and fished with colleagues from Central Junior High and Bloomington High School North and maintained lifelong friendships with those outdoorsmen.  He found his greatest peace as the sun rose over Lake Monroe on a crisp, fall day.  A trip to a local restaurant or store quite often resulted in a visit with a former student from his 39 years of teaching in the MCCSC.  He had an easy rapport with young people who hunt and fish; he loved to work on the “world's problems” with former students from his Economics classes; and he simply loved to hear how students were doing in life.  Since he first discovered his love for history as a young man, his purpose in life was to be a teacher, a passionate educator, and so every moment for him was a “teachable moment.”  Most important to Mickey, though, were his family and friends.  There was always a reason for a party, and a party was always best when people were laughing.  He could tell a great story, but he loved the reparté of a gathering the best.  Mickey will be greatly missed.  But if you were lucky enough to have known him, then part of him remains.  He rarely touched a life that wasn't changed by his presence.  Mickey is survived by his wife, Linda; his sister, Gloria (Dean Williams); sons Ted, Todd (Rochelle) and David, and daughter Angel; a nephew, Tony Williams; a niece, Avery England (Paul) and great-nephew, Jesse; grandchildren Jacob, Cody, Heidi, Erin, Niki, Sydney, Hannah, Caleigh, and Clayton; step-children Kimberly Stephans (Joseph Auty) and Tanya Growe (Russell).  Mickey was preceded in death by his parents, Bonnie and Maurice. Grandparents Mary (Skelton) and Lawrence Reeves and Lena (Crown) and Meryl Pennington. Services will be held 4:00 p.m. Thursday at Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Paula Bremer officiating. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation of Monroe County Schools, information at mccsfoundation.org.  Online condolences may be left at www.MickeyDReeves.com

 


  • From: Suzy Hays
    Location:Bloomington, Indiana

    My sincere sympathy to the entire family. Mickey will be missed.


  • From: Samarrah (Jackson)Bernard
    Location:Bloomington,Indiana

    My condolences to the family. My father went to high school with Mr.Mickey Reeves and I had the pleasure of having him as a teacher in High School. I will never forget your fishing stories!I hope you are enjoying that big fishing hole in the sky. In Peace, Samarrah R.Michelle L.(Jackson)Bernard


  • From: Lisa Canada
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    Not but a few days ago I mentioned Mr. Reeves to my sister (now a teacher) when she mentioned having students with the same name in her classes. I remember in his class there were three of us with the name Lisa. It didn't take him long to make up nicknames. I can't say I ever remember a frown on his face. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and friends.


  • From: Steve Frazo
    Location:Bloomington, IN

    I had the pleasure of enjoying two classes taught by Mr. Reeves. He was always happy, even when some of us in his class were being difficult. One day he had to step out for a call, so a couple of us turned his desk around and rearranged everything so it looked normal. When he returned, he was two steps into the room and knew right away his desk was turned around. He laughed and then watched/directed as we righted his desk. He will be missed. He was a wonderful teacher and individual.


  • From: michael cummings
    Location:ellettsville indiana

    you will be sadly missed by many who knew and loved you. Rest in peace


  • From: Brian Harmon
    Location:Wilmington, NC

    Mr. Reeves was one of my greatest teachers. I had him for US History, Econ, and Government. He was not only an educator, but a friend while I attended high school. He was an awesome story teller, told great jokes and would always lend an ear to help you with anything you needed. He was a great man and I am so sad to hear of his passing. My love and condolences to his family. I will always remember him and have him forever as a mentor.


  • From: Jeannie Silvers
    Location:Bloomington

    I was lucky to have Mr. Reeves as a social studies teacher in 1990 ,he was always making quirky jokes. He had a way to make everyone smile. I remember looking way up at him , since I was only 5'6 and just seeing a smile looking down at me. Rest in peace Mr. Reeves!!!


  • From: Melissa (Scott) Mixter
    Location:Indianapolis, IN

    I will always remember Mr. Reeves fondly. He stoked my love of history, and always had a funny story to go along with whatever the lesson was for the day. He was quick-witted, and could always recognize when you needed a little extra encouragement. He will be greatly missed. My condolences to his family, friends, and community.


  • From: Angie Bell-Brosmer
    Location:Bloomington

    I had Mr. Reeves as a teacher back in '86; I graduated from North in '87. My best memories of him were the Willie Nelson songs he made us listen to and then take quizzes over. He also was a patient at the doctor's office I was a nurse at and he was a joy everytime he came in. He will be missed. RIP Mr. Reeves.