Arthur Reeves

Arthur “Leigh” Reeves was born Feb. 7, 1934, in Rochester, N.Y., to Albert Arthur Reeves, Jr. and Florence (Dickinson). 

Leigh received a bachelor of science degree from SUNY College of Forestry, Syracuse University in 1956. He was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity. 

Upon return from serving the U.S. Army in Germany during the Korean War, Leigh and Sunny (Sundstrom) were married Dec. 6, 1958, in Rochester, N.Y. Leigh was assigned by the Forest Service and worked in several locations before settling in Custer, S.D., with his family.

Leigh worked for Black Hills National Forest Service until his retirement in 1983, where he made many lifelong friends. After retirement, Leigh worked for Jorgensen Log Homes for several years, learning the craft of building log homes. 

Leigh enjoyed nothing more than being in the great outdoors of the Black Hills fishing at a lake, hunting pheasant or deer, working on his land running irrigation or spending time at his beloved ranch on Carroll Creek Road, followed by a cold beer with friends at the end of a day.

Leigh passed away peacefully at Monument Health Care Center Saturday, April 25, 2020, after a long battle with cancer. He was loved and will be deeply missed.

He was preceeded in death by his identical twin, Roger “Moose” Marcell; and brothers, Dickinson (Helen) and Herbert (Clare).

Leigh is survived by his wife of 62 years, Sunny of Custer; son, Kevin (Ted) of Salt Lake City, Utah; daughter, Becki (Scott) Clarke of Rapid City, S.D.; four grandchildren, Megan, Cassie (Jack) Lynch, the twins Kendra (Austin) and Ryan; two great-granddaughters, Grace and Ella; plus the first great-grandson due in July; and eight nephews and four nieces; along with numerous cousins. 

A celebration of life will be scheduled and announced after the COVID-19 pandemic is under control. There will be a graveside memorial service (family only due to pandemic restrictions) near Custer.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Leigh’s name to Custer Lutheran Fellowship.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain-McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.

Written condolences may be made at chamberlainmccolleys.com.