Donald Lee Reeder, 90, of Burlington, died Monday, September 26, 2022, at the Northcrest Community retirement center in Ames.
Born March 21, 1932, in Keokuk, he was the son of Leslie R. and Evangeline Youngmeyer Reeder. On December 30, 1951, he married Lerita Pence in Lomax, Ill. He passed away on May 12, 2000.
In 1950, he graduated from La Harpe High School, then attended Monmouth College.
Donald worked for Northwestern Bell telephone companies for over 40 years, with long service as President of Local #7181 of the Communications Workers of America. After his retirement, he worked as a transportation officer for the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department. He was a member of the Burlington Police Reserves and the Eagles club.
He enjoyed restoring the family's 1954 Ford ¾-ton pickup and two early Case tractors, proudly driving them in shows in Southeast Iowa and West Central Illinois. He was a lifelong fan of the Illinois State Fair. Donald and Lerita together served for many years as scout boat pilots for MADRAC's annual Dubuque to Burlington canoe trip. A special passion was decades of taking his children and grandchildren to Goodrich Lake in Minnesota. His children, grandchildren, and great-grand-children were the delights of his life.
Survivors include two daughters, Lori J. (Monte) Asbury of Washington, Ia. and Shari J. Albee of Ames; son, Philip L. Reeder of Burlington; six grandchildren, Hannah J. (Jimmie) Horton, Benjamin P. Asbury, Lucas L. Asbury, Michael J. Albee, Matthew D. (Lindsay) Albee and Megan J. (Zachary) Miles; six great-grandchildren, Colten, Ellie, Sam, Jasper, Clara, Zorion, and one great-grandson on the way; three half great-grandchildren, Tucker, Nikole, and Kayden; brother, Carl Reeder of Ankeny; and two sisters, Judy (Doug) Mabry of Huntsville, Ala. and Linda Sadler of Burlington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife of 48 years.
The Graveside Committal Service for Mr. Reeder will be 4 p.m. Sunday, October 2, at Crane Cemetery near Lomax, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Hope Haven.