Obituary of Don George Reaveley

Don George Reaveley returned home peacefully Christmas Day, 2017. He was born to George Douglas and Belle (Gentry) Reaveley December 14, 1930, in Consumers, Utah. Don spent his childhood in Hiawatha, UT. He married Joan Olsen March 15, 1952, and together they had two children, Terrie McCants, daughter and Don Reaveley, Jr., son. Following Joan’s unfortunate passing, Don married Jean Dickson on May 30, 1981.

At age 15, Don tried to join the United States Army but was told to return when he had some whiskers. He did so when the Korea conflict broke out, was wounded by a mortar round, recovered and returned to the fight. Later, his vehicle hit an antitank mine leaving him partially paralyzed for life. For his service, he received two purple hearts.

Don would go on to be a champion in the Utah Veteran’s Community serving as DAV Chapter Commander, DAV State Department Commander, Chair of the SLC Veteran’s Council, UMVAC Chairman, Purple Heart Commander, and Captain of the Honor Guard for over 30 years. Don was instrumental in establishing the first veterans home in Utah, the Korean War Memorial that stands in Memory Grove, and the bronze statue of Utah Medal of Honor recipient George E. Wahlen.

Don took pride in everything he did, from maintaining a manicured yard to caring for Jean in the face of Alzheimer’s until her last breath. He was smart, witty, which some claim he got from his son, generous, kind and hard-headed, the patriarch behind what we comically refer to as the Reaveley stubbornness.

He is survived by his sisters Virginia Jordan, Price, UT, Laretta (David) Larsen, Bountiful, UT, son Don Reaveley, Jr., Price, UT, daughter Terrie McCants, Manhattan, KS, granddaughters Cortney and Lauren Reaveley (Robert Elkins), both of Price, UT, grandsons Ryan (Denali) McCants, Manhattan, KS, and Harrison (Brook) McCants, Chattanooga, TN. Also survived by stepchildren Vicki (Steve) Rogers and Mark (Silvia) Campbell. Preceded in death by his sister, Mona Cowan, and brother, Clyde Reaveley.

Per Don’s request, there will no funeral services. His ashes will be laid to rest at Cliffview Cemetery in Price, UT. The family expresses sincere appreciation to the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veteran’s Home for all the loving care given to Don and other veterans. Contributions to the Mervyn Sharp Bennion Central Utah Veteran’s Home, 1551 Main St. Payson, UT 84651 or the Utah Honor Flight, P.O. Box 42 Richfield, UT 84701, are welcome in Don’s memory.

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