Harold Ernest Reeves passed away on Aug. 20, 2016 at the age of 94.
He was born in Atchison, Kansas on May 16, 1922 to parents, Ernest Thomas and Florence Rachel (Winder) Reeves. He was born and lived in Atchison, Kansas until the age of 6 at which time he and his parents moved to Umatilla where Harold grew up.
Harold was very fortunate to grow up in a very loving and close-knit family. Harold was the oldest of six children in his family. He had one brother, Bennie, and four sisters, Dottie (Reeves) Stephens, Norma (Reeves) Busler, Rita Jean (Reeves) Creamer and Patsy (Reeves)Hutchinson. During his childhood his mother “assigned” the older children the responsibility of aiding one of the younger siblings of the family. Dad’s “charge” was Norma. He would sit next to her at meals and help her dish up her plate when needed, and would watch over her during the day and help with whatever was necessary. Their bond was very close their entire lives.
Other memories Harold would relate included hunting with his brother and friends in hopes of catching a few jackrabbits t for his mother to prepare for dinner. He also talked of being so proud when he was able to shoot and bring home a pheasant for dinner.
Harold always remained in awe of his dad’s expertise with horses. He always said his father’s horsemanship was exceptional. Harold always wished that if his father could have gone to Hollywood in his younger years, he would, most likely, be expert enough to be in the movies as a stuntman in the westerns. His father also taught Harold how to ride, how to use a lariat, but most of all, how to be a gentleman. Throughout Harold’s life, he was always remembered as a gentle soul and gentleman.
Harold attended Umatilla schools, graduating from Umatilla High School in 1939. Following graduation Harold gained employment at Tum A Lum Lumber Company. As the oldest child and son of the family, and had reached the age where he could be gainfully employed, he felt it to be his responsibility to financially support the family and would turn his entire earnings over to the family. He worked at Tum Alum Lumber until called in 1942 to service during World War II. Again, being the oldest son in the family, he felt compelled to join the military hoping that doing this would prevent his younger brother, Bennie, being drafted into the military as well. However, Bennie would eventually be drafted anyway.
Harold entered the United States Marine Corps (USMC) and began active service June 8, 1942 through June 10, 1946 at which time he received the United States Marine Corps Certificate of Honorable and Satisfactory Service in World War II. During this enlistment he served as an Automatic Pilot Mechanic and Aircraft Armorer in the Pacific theater, with primary involvement in the “consolidation of the Solomon Islands”, from January 8, 1943 through February 2, 1944. Upon his return from overseas, he then completed a course in Precision Bombing and was certified as a Bombardier Instructor on June 30, 1945.
On June 19, 1946 Harold re-enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve (inactive) for a period of four years, and was reappointed to the rank of Corporal (Aviation), his rank from March 1, 1943. He was then assigned to the Thirteenth Reserve District, headquartered at Puget Sound Navy Yard, Bremerton, WA. He was discharged from reserve duty on June 13, 1950. He did not participate in any active duty during this reserve enlistment.
Harold again re-enlisted on June 14, 1950 back into the reserves as a Basic Instrument Trainer Mechanic. On February 1, 1951 he was recalled back into active duty during the Korean Conflict. It was also during this time he received his promotion to Staff Sergeant on May 21, 1951. Upon his release from active duty on February 1, 1952, Harold went back into the reserves until his final discharge from military service on December 30, 1952. Harold is the recipient of the Good Conduct Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Medal, and World War II Victory Medal.
Upon his return to the States from deployment in 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Clara “Naomi” Brownell on October 6, 1944 in Santa Barbara, CA. Their wedding was witnessed by friends, John and Isabella Rice. John Rice and Harold served together in the Marine Corps. [Noteworthy is the fact John Rice would become well known for his career as a Major League Baseball (MLB) umpire and was eventually inducted into the MLB Umpire Hall of Fame.]
Harold and Naomi had two children, Kevin Lance, born April 5, 1947 and Karin Ruth, born August 29, 1948. In addition to their two children, Harold and Naomi were blessed with five grandsons, Lance and Scott Hartman; Robert “Robbie” Reeves, Patrick Reeves and Harold Reeves; one granddaughter, Shannon; one great granddaughter, Julianna Hartman; one great grandson, Joshua Hartman; five step-great granddaughters, Jordan, Katie, Rachael, Lysa and Lyndsay McBride; one step-great great granddaughter, Janaya McBride; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Harold remained in the US Marine Corps reserves during which time he continued his higher education at the University of California Santa Barbara. He majored in Education and minored in Music, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Junior High Education, January 25, 1951.
Harold was proud to have served his country as a Marine, and in his heart remained a Marine until the end. In June 2015 he was the recipient of the honor to be flown to Washington, D.C. on the Veterans Honor Flight along with other veterans who had served their country during WWII and the Korean War. Harold’s oldest grandson, Lance, accompanied him as his guardian and shared this honor with his grandfather. Lance stated that one of his own “bucket list” wishes was to have the opportunity to visit the Marine Corps memorial and have his picture taken there with his “Grandpa Reeves”. This wish was fulfilled. Harold continued faithful to the honor of the Marine Corps by always wearing his “Brotherhood in Arms” ring as well as his leather jacket bearing Marine Corps patches commemorating honor and country.
On a lighter note, Harold was a staunch admirer of John Wayne. Not only did he love to watch the movies the “Duke” made, Harold admired John Wayne’s love for his country and what it means to be an American.
Following the Korean War, Harold and his family remained in Santa Barbara, CA where he obtained employment in the local theaters and became a life-long member of the Theatrical Stage Employees’ Union. He was employed by the Santa Barbara Lobero Theatre where he worked for the next 50 years in the capacity of Master Stage Carpenter, building scenery for countless stage productions. He was also a master in the art of sound and lighting productions as well.
Along with his career in the theater, he and his co-worker in stage carpentry, Chandler Hilton, decided to go into business renting out scenery they had built as well as lighting and sound equipment to other theaters including local junior high and high schools for their stage productions. Harold even had the opportunity of working in Hollywood on a couple of movies. Through his work he also had the opportunity of meeting and working with numerous stars of stage and screen, some even returning periodically just to see the Lobero Theatre again and visit with Harold and others with whom they had worked. Kevin was often surprised by the very famous motion picture and TV personalities that would ‘drop by’ just to visit Harold. Of note, was Hugh O’Brian (TV Series Wyatt Earp…. who also apprenticed at the Lobero many years before), Ted de Corsia (often the villain in 1940s and 1950s movies), and Hank Underwood (Soap Operas) to name a few. Often these visitors would interrupt Harold during very busy times at the Lobero, but Harold would always make time to visit and treat them with utmost courtesy.
While Harold’s son, Kevin was in junior high and high school, Harold would take him on weekends to the Lobero, teaching him the art of stage carpentry, sound and lighting. From the age of 12, Kevin would work alongside his dad and would even be recognized in the production program credits as a stage hand. Much to mother’s chagrin, the first stage show for which Kevin was recognized in the program was the stage production about the famous “stripper”, Gypsy Rose Lee. Harold couldn’t have been prouder. Harold would also build many sets for the ballet recitals held at the Lobero in which his daughter, Karin would dance.
Because of Harold’s profession in live theatre, his hours didn’t coincide with typical 8-5 business hours. Including building scenery during daytime hours, theater show performances took place primarily after normal working hours, evenings and weekends. Therefore, Karin was not able to spend that much time in the company of her father during her childhood years. Although Kevin had the opportunity to spend the time with his Dad learning the stage carpenter “trade”, Karin missed being a part of her father’s life, learning who he really was. But, as Karin grew older, she saw how important this time was for her Dad and brother that built such a strong bond between them that remains to this day. But, having had the opportunity to have her Dad live so close since his return to Oregon in 2001, Karin had this opportunity to ask questions of him, to probe his early childhood, young adult and even military memories and find out who Harold really was. They spent time together looking over old photo albums so Karin could ask who these people were in those photos with her parents. Karin also found out the real story of how Harold met Naomi and what their early years were like, in addition to the years after Karin and Kevin left home. During this time, Harold would show a side of his personality Karin had not witnessed before, including an incredibly funny wit. Above all, he always remained the gentleman and proud Marine who dearly loved his family.
In 1984, after 50 years in the career of Master Stage Carpenter and Stage Manager, Harold retired from the Lobero Theatre, receiving his Honorary Lifetime Member “gold card” from the International Alliance of the Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States and Canada. However, for several years after retirement, he continued to provide his expertise and knowledge in the capacity of advisor to the next generation of stage carpenters. He stated many times that he never felt he ever spent a day “working” as he loved this career so much.
In addition to his career, Harold authored a book, using the research he obtained from the archives of the Lobero Theatre, regarding this historical building, the many famous actors who graced the stage of this theater, the plays and musicals that were produced, and the ghosts who still walk the halls of the theater. This book was published with the title The Lobero Theatre Chronicles.
For 56 years, Harold and Naomi had an incredibly close and loving marriage; however, Naomi would pass, very unexpectedly, from our lives in September 2000. In 2001 Harold left Santa Barbara and returned to Umatilla to be closer to his siblings, his daughter and their families. He even fulfilled a dream of owning a horse again, which he was able to pasture on his daughter’s property, just a short walk across the street from where he lived.
Harold spent the remainder of his years enjoying weekly outings with his friends, siblings and daughter. He would also enjoy visits from his son, Kevin and daughter-in-law, Hak Boon “Susan” (Kim) Reeves, who reside in San Diego, CA; and grandsons, Lance, who resides in Arizona; Scott, who lives in Idaho; Harold, who lives and attends college in New York; and granddaughter, Shannon, who works and attends college in California. Thanks to modern technology, Harold was also able to enjoy receiving news about grandson, Patrick, who resides in Vermont and Robert (“Robbie”) who resides in Perth, Australia.
Harold is preceded in death by his father, Ernest Thomas Reeves; mother, Florence Rachel (Winder) Reeves; sisters, Dottie Fay (Reeves) Stephens and Patsy Ione (Reeves) Hutchinson; and wife, Clara “Naomi” (Brownell) Reeves.
A graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, August 26, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Umatilla, Oregon.
A celebration of life gathering with a meal and time of sharing will follow at 12:00 Noon at the Umatilla Community Presbyterian Church, 14 Martin Dr., Umatilla, OR 97882.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
