Dr. Delos N. Reeve

REEVE, LANG, BARTON, SOPER, LANTZ, MALLORY, HOOVER, KING

Posted By: Carly Josephson (email)
Date: 3/30/2009 at 18:18:48

Unknown Newspaper "May 17, 1925" handwritten across top of obituary

Dr. D. N. Reeve Called By Death, Gave Life to Service of Humanity—Dr. D. N. Reeve, widely known and greatly admired physician of this place, died at 7:30 o’clock Sunday evening at Mercy hospital in Waverly following a three weeks’ illness. While his condition had been such for several days that recovery could not be expected, yet announcement of his death came as a shock to the community in which he had labored faithfully for many years. The latter part of April he became ill while at the hospital looking after a patient. His condition responded to treatment, however, and after a couple of weeks, he was able to return home. He was glad to be back home with his family and friends, but the happiness was brief as illness soon seized him again and he was compelled to return to the hospital. During the last days he was gives expert medical attention by skilled hands and everything possible was done to relieve his suffering.

It may truthfully be said that Dr. Reeve gave up his life for his profession of service to humanity. For thirty years he practiced as a physician in Butler county, serving rich and poor alike without thought of remuneration. Often a fee was not forthcoming. Although of rugged constitution he suffered a serious illness because of overwork during the flu epidemic of 1918, but after months of recuperation was again able to resume his practice. Complications from the former illness remained, however, and were responsible for his death.

Dr. Reeve will be greatly missed in the community. He was always interested in the church, schools, fraternal orders and civic affairs. He was a good Christian citizen, a true friend and kind neighbor.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Associated Churches in charge of the pastor, Rev. Edward A. Lang, assisted by Rev. H. H. Barton of Cedar Falls. Burial will be made at the Hampton cemetery where the Masonic fraternity will be in charge.

Obituary—Delos N. Reeve, son of Col. Arthur T. Reeve and Hannah Lovinia (Soper) Reeve, was born September 29, 1869, on a farm in Reeve township, Franklin county, Iowa, and died May 17, 1925, aged 55 years, 8 months and 18 days. Reeve township received its name from an uncle of the deceased. A few months after his birth the family moved to the town of Hampton. The mother died April 9, 1888, and the year following the father took his children to reside in Washington D. C. where he had been appointed to a governmental position in the Treasury Department, spending his evenings in a commercial school.

Delos Reeve was united in marriage to May Belle Lantz on December 10, 1893, in Baltimore, Md. He entered the medical school of George Washington University, formerly Columbia University, obtaining the degree of doctor of medicine in 1896. Soon after Doctor and Mrs. Reeve came directly to Allison, Iowa, and later took up their residence in Bristow where the doctor practiced for sixteen years. In 1914 they moved to Allison where he continued his profession and which place is now the family home. Three children were born to them, of whom a son and daughter survive.

Deceased united with the Methodist Episcopal church in Bristow some years ago and transferred his membership to Allison. For a number of years he has been an official member of the Associated Church (Methodist and Congregational) of this place. His going from the local church activities, we trust will be a call for others to assume responsibility. “God calls the workers but He carries on His work.” The doctor proved that a busy man can attend Sunday School.

During the eleven years spent in Allison Dr. Reeve served three or more years as president of the County Medical Association and only because of health reasons declined to longer continue in the office. During the war he served on the examining board with brotherly physicians. The boys will recall many fatherly talks he gave them regarding their personal lives in training camps and battlefield. He later gave personal attention to helping service men secure adjusted compensation. About seven years ago he underwent a period of sickness undoubtedly hastened and intensified by his sympathetic interest in war stricken homes and the constant medical service he was called upon to render in the community.

He was a member of Opal Lodge 417 of the Masonic Order, also of the Royal Arch Chapter at Clarksville and was affiliated with the Council at Hampton, Eastern Star at Bristow, Modern Woodmen of America, Royal Neighbors, Odd Fellows, as well as county, state, and national medical associations.

About a month ago Dr. Reeve suddenly became very ill and was taken to the Mercy Hospital in Waverly. All the medical skill and kindest care of Sisters and nurses and loving attention of members of his family was done in his behalf without avail. All who say him there will recall his expressions of gratitude for the goodness which was conferred upon him. He saw himself as undeserving although he had spent a lifetime in rendering such service to others. Expressions of unworthiness were mingled with expressions of peace—“Peace which passeth all understanding.” Those most constantly in his room were assured of his preparation for the “Great Change” as he talked of and with his Precious Redeemer. Faith in the Christ who fails not in that moment is above all earthly things.

He is survived by a wife, a son, C. Morton Reeve, of New Hartford, a daughter, Elizabeth May, and two grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Mrs. E. A. Mallory, of Hampton, Mrs. W. D. King, of Omaha, Nebraska, and Mrs. Wm D. Hoover, of Washington D. C. About two months ago two uncles of the deceased passed away.

A man who was interested in the best things for the community is gone. He lived to serve. They sympathy of thousands goes out to members of the bereft family.