Hugh S. Reeder died July 21, 2015, in Port Arthur after a lengthy illness.
Born June 4, 1930, in Paducah, Ky., Mr. Reeder was the third son of Elbert M. Reeder, Sr. and Annie Watson Reeder. He was reared to do his best, to love and respect his family, to be faithful in response to God’s steadfast love, and to provide for those who depended on him. Scouting played a significant role in shaping his interests and relationships.
He attended school in Port Arthur, Texas, graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School. An all-state football player while in high school, Hugh continued his football career at the University of Texas at Austin where he was proud to have played in two Cotton Bowl Classics.
Hugh met Rosalie Pentecost while in high school, and the two were married on June 26, 1949. Hugh’s devotion to Rosalie, and hers to him, was a blessing to the seven children they reared. He was, in the words with which he described those men whom he most respected, “a prince of a fellow.”
Most of his working years were spent in the building materials business where he was known for his honesty and strong work ethic. He retired from Beaumont’s Tri Supply Company after thirty years. A lifelong member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Mr. Reeder was a faithful servant in several congregations and never wearied of singing the hymns of his childhood.
Mr. Reeder is survived by his wife, Rosalie Reeder; daughter Sandra Cureton and husband Jim of Irving; son Tom Reeder and wife Elaine of Granbury; son Mike Reeder and wife Charlotte of Beaumont; daughter Becky Bowser and husband Kyle of Houston; daughter Kristen Watkins and husband Keith of Groves; daughter Katy Scruggs and husband Jules of Austin; and son Scott Reeder and wife Amanda of Round Rock; brother Bert Reeder of Orange, Cal.; brother Bill Reeder and wife Shirley of Temple; fifteen grandchildren; eighteen great grandchildren.
The family is grateful for the caring presence of the staff of Cypress Glen Nursing Home, and especially appreciative of Jan Crowe, R.N. of Gentiva Hospice.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 1 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) of Port Arthur. A reception in the church’s fellowship hall will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Christian Church of Port Arthur, the Alzheimer’s Association, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.