Richard Doyle Reever

Richard Doyle Reever 82 of Fairfield, IA passed away March 1, 2021.

Rich was born on 10/11/1938 to Eldred and Frances (Schultze) Reever and grew up on a farm south of Glidden. He was a caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather as well as a committed friend, student, athlete, teacher, coach, and mentor.

He enjoyed sports and played football and basketball before he graduated from Glidden-Ralston High School in 1957. Upon graduation, he played football for the Coe College Co-Hawks where he received a Bachelors in Art’s in degree in Teaching-Coaching. He went on to complete a Master of Art’s degree in Education at Northeast Missouri State University. While he was dedicated to his studies and athletics, he was equally dedicated to living life to its fullest and having a good time.

He began his career in Bloomfield, Iowa before moving to Fairfield, Iowa. At Fairfield High School, he taught history, consumer economics, and physical education. In addition, he coached football, baseball, wrestling, and track before retiring in 1997. During his coaching career, he was blessed to bring out the best of the players on the field and then in the classroom. On the field, he was able to turn boys into men through life lessons and his guidance. He is still impacting and influencing his former students, and his lasting impact on the community is immeasurable.

He was devoted to public service, which came out particularly through his commitment to the Fairfield Elks Lodge 1192. As a member of the Elks, he spent countless hours selflessly volunteering at the lodge picnic, wild game night, shrimp feed, after prom parties, national hoop shoot and raising monies for a number of projects for the Elks and the kids of the community. He was the Exalted Ruler from 1984-1985 and 2004-2005. His heart came out through his service, and he spent his time doing what he was able to impact his community.

In addition to coaching, teaching, and public service, Rich, along with
Art Hutton, formed H & R Painting. He painted houses from Iowa to Nevada with a boundless work ethic founded on his family’s farm in Glidden.

Rich’s greatest loves were his family and friends. In 1964 he married Jan Hedges. His devotion and commitment to her was shared with their two children. It brought him great joy to be there while his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids grew and achieved their dreams and goals. He is survived by his wife, Jan; children Jason Reever and Renee Olson (Mark); grandchildren; Kaila Durham (Seth), Justian Reever (Gina), Kuria Carnes (Jacob) and Lauren Olson; great grandchildren: Oria Carnes and Lilliana Durham; and brother Harry Reever (Judy) plus nieces, Traci (Mike) Schaefer, Lora Reever (Tim’s wife), Julie (Larry) Letze, and cousins. He was preceded in death by parents, Eldred and Frances Reever, his nephew, Tim Reever, and his niece, Traci Burrows.

Upon retiring from teaching, coaching, and painting, he was able to pursue hunting and fishing with the same passion with which he enjoyed life. He spent many hours chasing quail, pheasant, and deer through the Iowa woods and fields, grouse through the Minnesota woods, and chukar and sage grouse through the Idaho hills. There were also many a day spent up north at the cabin in Minnesota fishing for walleyes and crappies. A few of those hours he may have had a toddy in his hand, but he still managed to freeze enough fish to catch the interest of the Minnesota Fish and Game.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Elk’s Roof Fund, the Elk’s Scholarship Fund, or donations in Rich’s honor will be used for a scholarship for a graduating Fairfield High School athlete who plans to pursue their chosen sport in college. Memorials may be sent to 2569 Highway 1, Fairfield, Iowa 52556. A celebration of life will be held at the Fairfield Elks Lodge 1192 on Saturday, March 6th from 1-4pm. Wherever you may be that day, lift a toast with a drink of your choice and dance to your favorite oldies song in celebration of his life.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Private burial will be held at Merle Hay Memorial Cemetery in Glidden, Iowa.