Berchman “Bert” Lee Reaves, 84, of Orange, passed away on May 17, 2020, in Orange.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2020, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. Officiating will be Lani Rousseau of First United Methodist Church of Orange. Burial will follow at Oak Bluff Memorial Park.
Visitation will be prior to the service, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.
Born in Pear Ridge, Texas, on June 6, 1935, he was the son of James Martin Reaves and Victoria (Webb) Reaves. Bert graduated from Port Neches High School and later went on to receive a Bachelor of Science from Sam Houston and a Master of Education from McNeese State University. He was a faithful member of Deweyville United Methodist Church and the owner and operator of Reaves Christmas Tree Farm in Hartburg. Bert’s happy place was the outdoors, often enjoying hunting, fishing, and camping. He was a football, basketball, and track coach and taught science for a number of years, along with volunteering for Boy Scout camps. He enjoyed all of life’s adventures, big or small, escaping to the woods, and traveling every chance he had. Bert was an enduring family man, who was adored by his loved ones, and lovingly referred to as “Papa” to his grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all those who came to know and love him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Victoria Reaves; loving wife of 41 years, Beverly Reaves; son, Jimmy Reaves; and brothers, Perry Reaves, Bob Reaves, and Bill Reaves.
He is survived by his daughter, Ginger Williams and husband Bart of Little Cypress; grandchildren, Jessica Reaves, Jennifer Williams, Jake Williams and wife Nicole, Julie Williams, and Victoria Wagner; great-grandchildren, Bryce Williams, Christopher Reaves, Fayelynn Wagner, Ridley Williams, Harbor Williams, and Ethan Wright; and sister, Edith Ann Cahal; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Deweyville United Methodist Church at PO Box 108 Deweyville, Texas 77614 or the Alzheimer’s Association at
www.alz.org
.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Best Hospice and Golden Years Assisted Living for the tender care they gave Bert in his time of need.
Condolences
George Bethune
September 23, 2021
Bert was my mentor when I was a teenager. He was the Explorer Scouts Advisor for Post 430 in Arcadia Tx. I can speak for ALL the guys in that scout group and say Bert was the Best!! Our scout meetings were brief on Tuesday evenings, then we all would go play pool, ride go carts, play minature golf, bowl, or jump on trampolines. He was just "one of the guys". He taught us by example or should I say "he put up with all our bull! None of us guys had much money so nobody was ever slighted when we did things together. We camped a lot and it seems most of the camping trips were in days when foul weather was expected. (I'm not sure, but I think Bert had webbed feet like a duck in the wild). Every year we went to a small cabin Bert had on the Sabine River and spent a week of fun and even learned things that prepared us for the eventual manhood we faced then. What memories I have from those days there! In fall of 1962 we raised enough money doing odd jobs in the community to finance a 17 day trip for 10 of us to Canada with 9 days canoeing in the wilderness. Bert was a natural in the woods so we survived well there. We were all so close always with Bert being our "Big Brother". A few of us have mentioned another scout reunion with Bert as we all are in our late 70s' now. We wanted to have just one more brotherly "get together". I guess we dragged our feet to long as old folks do and GOD had plans for him in Heaven. All I can say now as I end my feeble tribute to a man I will Never forget is "Bert, I love you and our times together were a treasure in my life Bert, and as tears flow from my eyes now, I will miss YOU til God opens the door for me to see you again my brother.
Michelle (Hutson) Maple
May 23, 2020
So sorry for your loss, I had Coach Reeves for Science and as a homeroom teacher during school. Coach Reeves was always a very nice guy! Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Claybar Funeral Home
May 21, 2020
88 files added to the album LifeTributes
Lucy Terry
May 19, 2020
Did not know this was Ginger's father. Loved him back when I was in school! He was such a good looking man! Great couch! and Someone to look up to! I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers!!
Judy Lewis
May 19, 2020
Mr. Reeves was one of my favorite teachers in middle school. I loved his science class. Judy Dupuy Lewis
Randi Smith
May 19, 2020
Always loved seeing him at the Christmas Tree Farm :heart::christmas_tree::heart: Sending my love and prayers to Ginger, Coach Bart & family :heart: Randi Smith
Alan Castle
May 19, 2020
He was my Junior High football coach and was a good man the family is in my prayers
Dutch And Lisa Bowers
May 19, 2020
Bart and Ginger, we will keep you in our prayers, that you will find strength, peace and comfort during this difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories of Coach Reaves. We love you. Dutch and Lisa Bowers
Anonymous
May 18, 2020
Large Basket Garden was purchased for the family of Berchman "Bert" Lee Reaves.
Anonymous
May 18, 2020
Country Basket Blooms was purchased for the family of Berchman "Bert" Lee Reaves.