Alton C. "A.C." Reeves, 82, Columbus (formerly of Hope)

Alton C. “A.C.” Reeves, 82, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away on September 14, 2025. He was born May 7, 1943, in Hope, Indiana, to Alton Cory Reeves and Lucille Hudson Reeves.

A proud member of the first class to attend all four years at Hauser High School, A.C. went on to graduate from Purdue University. A.C. was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966 and served until 1968. He served in West Berlin with the 287th MP Company, an experience that remained a defining chapter of his life.

Following his honorable discharge, A.C. began a career at Arvin Industries in Columbus. He later worked with Aida Engineering before beginning a 20-year career with Aid Association for Lutherans, serving families in Columbus and Greensburg. After retiring, he continued working at Pentzer Printing and later devoted time to volunteer service.

A.C. was especially proud of his role as Commander of the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard, faithfully honoring fellow veterans. He was also a 58-year member of the American Legion Post 229 in Hope, a life member of the VFW, a founding member of Columbus Area Walk to Emmaus, and an active member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.

A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, A.C. was proud to have ridden (trailers not involved) in DC, 49 states, 1 Territory and all Provinces of Canada, logging over 107,000 miles on his 2003 Yamaha Venture. His adventures took him from Alaska to Newfoundland, and he cherished every journey.

In 2013, A.C. returned to Berlin as part of a veterans’ delegation hosted by the Checkpoint Charlie Foundation, where he reconnected with the history he had lived as a young soldier. In 2018, he and his wife, Donna, traveled to Israel, fulfilling a lifelong dream of walking where Jesus once walked.

When not actively serving others or out on adventures, A.C. enjoyed keeping a home environment that catered to backyard birds, butterflies, bees, plants and flowers. He could often be found fixing things around the house, tinkering and engineering things to make them “better.”

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 719 5th St., Columbus, IN 47201 with Pastor Tim Carter and Pastor Mark Teike officiating. Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Monday, September 22, 2025 at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial will be held at the Moravian Cemetery, Hope, IN with military honors provided by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Lutheran Church or Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard.

A.C. is survived by his wife, Donna J. Reeves; children Shelba D. Fields Hayes (Craig), David A. Fields (Shannan), and Ashley C. Reeves DeLong (Charles); stepchildren Jeanne M. VanderHeide (Brian Nottmeier), Judith G. Peterson (Ralph), and Grant E. Felbaum (Jen); 21 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Alton C. Reeves and Lucille Reeves Schlehuser, stepfather, Oscar J. Schlehuser; the mother of his children, Dana Fields Reeves; his stepbrother and stepsister-in-law, Donald and Claralene Schlehuser; and his stepsister, Linda Arnholt.

A.C. lived a full life defined by faith, family, service, and adventure. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, loyal friend, and honorable veteran.