BRISTOW -- Ivan Lawrence Reeder, a retired longtime Depew Public Schools superintendent, died Thursday in Tulsa. He was 79.
A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Depew High School's Ivan L. Reeder Auditorium under the direction of Hutchins-Maples Funeral Home.
Reeder was born Dec. 28, 1923, to Minnie Seabolt and David Reeder. He married Molly Ailey in 1942 and graduated from Central State College in Edmond in 1949.
That same year, Reeder began his career with Depew Public Schools as a coach and business teacher.
He became superintendent two years later.
During Reeder's 44-year career as superintendent, Depew Public Schools built educational and athletic facilities and implemented a variety of programs and classes.
He retired in the mid-1990s.
In 2001, Reeder received the Depew Citizen of the Year award.
He was a member of the American Association of School Administrators, the School Business Administration, the Oklahoma Education Association, the National Education Association, the Oklahoma Retired Educators Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Legion.
Reeder was a deacon and treasurer at the First Baptist Church of Depew and also was a Depew Central Oklahoma Bank director, a Depew Lions Club treasurer and a Creek County Conservation District director.
He was on the boards of Bristow Memorial Hospital, Central Care Cooperation and the Cimarron Baptist Association Auditing Committee.
Reeder is survived by his wife, Molly Reeder; two sons, Ronald Reeder of Tulsa and Dan Reeder of Shawnee; three brothers, Glen Reeder of Chandler, Jimmy Reeder of Tulsa and Joe Reeder of Hulbert; and five grandchildren.
REEDER -- Ivan Lawrence, Superintendent of Depew Schools for 44 years, civic leader and 2001 Depew Citizen of the year, went to be with the Lord on August 21, 2003 in Tulsa at the age of 79. Mr. Reeder was born December 28, 1923 to David and Minnie Seabolt Reader of Milfay, OK, who were originally from Sequoyah County of the old Cherokee Nation. Ivan was very proud of his Cherokee ancestry and heritage. He was a graduate of Milfay High School, the Salutatorian of his class, a 4-year honor student and a basketball letterman who was called the "Milfay Flash." He married his high school sweetheart, Molly Ailey, in Depew, OK, October 15, 1942. Ivan enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he would join 3 other brothers who were already serving in the Navy. Five Reeder brothers served in U.S. Navy military combat. After 3 years of military service in the Pacific and European theaters of war, Ivan returned home and graduated Central State College (UCO) in 1949 with a BS degree. He received his Master's degree in Business Administration Education from Oklahoma State University, graduating with his wife, Molly, and his brother, Remeth, all honor students. Reeder began his career at Depew Schools in 1949 as a Business Teacher and Caoch. The following year he was High School Principal and Coach. One year later he was employed as Supertendent of Depew Schools where he remained until retirement. During this career span of 44 years he had received numerous education and civic awards. He was especially proud of the school's curriculum and Depew's high academic rating in the area and state. He joked about being a pioneer becuase of the many new programs that were added to the curriculum each year. Depew High School and the elementary became members of the North Central Association before he retired. He began a construction boom in 1955 that continued throughout his career. Ivan Reeder was a lifetime member of the teacher's organizations: OEA, NEA, OREA, a member of the American Association of School Administrators, and the School Business Administration. He was continually involved in obtaining support for public education in local district and state. A top priority in his life was his Christian faith. His motto was: "Always be positive and look for the good in people." He was a member of the Depew First Baptist Church for 54 years where he was very active. Mr. Reeder touched many lives with his wonderful sense of humor, his deep faith in God and his love for his fellow-man, all people. He served as a Director of Depew Central Oklahoma Bank, Treasurer of the Depew Lions Club and was a Director of the Creek County conservation district. Other boards were the Bristow Memorial Hospital, Executive Board of Central Care Cooperation, Oklahoma Economic Development and the Auditing Committee of the Cimarron Baptist Association. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and the American Legion. As a Superintendent of long-time tenure in one school, Mr. Reeder was given several awards that were of great personal value to him. Many board members from other schools interviewed him throughout the years discussing the qualities of good school board members. Jerry Webber of Channel 2 News visited Reeder at the school and featured him on the six o'clock news with a story of his career school activities and the family atmosphere of Depew. Ivan Reeder is survived by his wife, Molly, who shared his love of church, family and school as a team, making this journey with him 60 years; their 2 sons, Ronald Reeder and wife, Judith of Tulsa, Drs. Dan and Stacy Reeder of Shawnee; and 5 grandchildren, Jason, Laura, Dane, Raye and Meg Reeder. He is also survived by 3 brothers, Glen Reeder and wife, Aurilla of Chandler, Jimmy Reeder and wife, Billie of Tulsa, Joe Reeder and wife, Donna of Hulbert; a sister-in-law, Theo Reeder of Bristow; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a grandchild, Michael Reeder; his paretns; 2 brothers; and 3 sisters. Funeral service 10 a.m., Saturday, August 23, 2003, Ivan L. Reeder Auditorium, Depew High School. Interment at Stroud City Cemetery. Service is under the direction of Hutchins-Maples Funeral Home, Bristow (918)367-3318.
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