Lester D. (Les) Reeves, 96, died at his home in Bay Point, Florida on Sunday, February 3, 2019. Mr. Reeves was a Bowling Green, Kentucky native, but moved to Florida in 1988. He was an entrepreneurial businessman who founded several businesses including Reeves Food Centers, Inc., Jr. Food Stores, Inc., and Reeves Enterprises, Inc.

He was a World War II member of the 78 ^th Infantry Division that was active in battles of the Hurtgen Forest, Battle of the Bulge, and the crossing of the Rhine River at Remagen, Germany. He received a Purple Heart for injuries during the Remagen Battle. He was recommended for and received a Bronze Star for his services.

His public service record included service as an elder in The Presbyterian Church in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He also served as President of the Kentucky Grocers Association, Board Member of the National Grocers Association, President of the Bowling Green (noon) Lions Club, District Governor of Lions International, and President of the Bowling Green Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

Lester and his wife, Dorothy Reeves, were both generous supporters of Western Kentucky University scholarships.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 73 years, Dorothy E. Reeves; his father, Doile Dennis Reeves; mother, Ethel Reeves; step-mother, Norah Basham Reeves; and brother, Garland E. Reeves.

Mr. Reeves is survived by his four children, Alan D. Reeves (Sheila), Robin Reeves, Lynn D. Reeves all of Bowling Green, and Brian Reeves (Allison) of Wellington, Florida, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty-four great-grandchildren.

Celebration of Life services will be at The Presbyterian Church on Saturday, February 9 ^th at 10:00 am followed by a private burial service at Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the Presbyterian Church on Friday, February 8 ^th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm and on Saturday, February 9 ^th from 9:00 to 10:00 am.  Johnson Vaughn Phelps Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the College Heights Foundation, 1906 College Heights Blvd., Bowling Green, KY 42101.