Edward Estelle Reeves passed away peacefully on December 14, 2005 of cancer at the VA Hospice in Knoxville, Iowa. He had been a patient at the VA Hospital in Knoxville since August and had received compassionate help there. During the last 3+ years of Ed's life, he lived at the home of his beloved companion, Janet Nesbit, in Urbandale.

He was born January 23, 1916 in Des Moines, Iowa, to Gertrude and Floyd Reeves. He was raised by his grandparents, Jesse and Millie Estelle, who were charter members of Burns A.M.E Church. Ed attended North High School. His grandfather was a musician and Eddie inherited his love of music. Eddie was a jazz musician who played the bass and sang at the Silver Dollar Club in Des Moines for several years until his induction into the Army during World War II. He served in the U.S., Hawaii and Guam. He was honorably discharged on December 23, 1945 and returned to New Orleans, Louisiana to join his wife, Toye Reeves. He went to college on the G.I.Bill and lived in Louisiana for several years before returning to Des Moines.

Ed discovered his aptitude for writing and composing poetry while in the service, and continued his talent for the remainder of his life.

After he retired from Norwest Bank in 1987, he joined the Wellness Pool Group at Mercy Hospital. He became the Poet Laureate of the group and was well known for the poems he wrote and for his wit and charm. Gretchen Fosket, a friend from the pool, typed all of his 350+ poems and embellished the pages with her graphic art work. Books of his poems have been given to his friends, old and new, fellow musicians, a special army buddy and Oprah Winfrey.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Toye. He is survived by his daughter, Myrna Mosley and four grandchildren, Zuniga Mosley Butler, Toye Mosley, Larry Mosley and Lashanda Mosley; and five great-grandchildren, all of Shreveport, LA.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday, December 27, 2005, at 3 p.m. at the Brooks Funeral Care, University Chapel at 7975 University Blvd, Clive, Iowa. The Reverend Gary Clarke of Olivet Baptist Church will conduct the memorial service and Ed's friend, Reverend Marvin Brown will assist and offer prayer. Come join us in celebrating Edward Reeves' life.