John P Reakes

John P. Reakes, 96, of Green Valley, AZ, formerly of Moline, IL, died on June 10, 2010, in Sahuarita, AZ. Graveside services will be held Saturday, June 26th, at 11:00 a.m., in the mausoleum of Moline Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Mississippi Valley, or the Moline Little League. John P. Reakes was born in Fife Lake, MI, on June 22, 1914, to Sidney and Cora (Scofield) Reakes. He was married to the former Melinda Bebe, who survives. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Specialist A 2nd Class during WWII, receiving an Honorable Discharge on January 16, 1946. Over the years he taught, coached, and served as a principal in schools through out Illinois that included: New Windsor, Sherrard, Fairbury, LeRoy, Barrington, and Moline. He had received his undergraduate degree from Western Illinois and his masters from New Mexico A & M. His formal education ended with 30 hours past his masters from a variety of schools that included Iowa State. He truly enjoyed working with young people and refereed until he was 75. His career as an official took him to fields and gymnasiums from Junior High to the College level. He was the head of the crew that worked the last football game between Saint Ambrose and Wisconsin Stout in what was then John O'Donnell stadium before the stadium was removeled. John was a good golfer and took price in the fact that during the years he had three holes-in-one, and was able to shoot his age during his 70's, 80's, and early into his 90's. He was a member of Green Valley Community Methodist Church, often serving as an usher. He was also a member of the Green Valley Elks. In addition to his wife, Malinda, survivors include a son: Lawrence (Delma) Reakes of Moline; a grandson: Scott (Marcie) Reakes; and a great-granddaughter: Abigail, all of Geneseo, IL; and a granddaughter: Kimberly (Earl) Smith of Alexandria, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents.