Russell Andrew Reeves (24) Born December 4, 1983 to Gary and Vivian (Schafer) Reeves, Russell lived in Brookston for most of his life, attending Frontier High School, with his brother Marcus Reeves. His outgoing personality and incredible piano playing drew many friends, from Lafayette, to New York and California. Preparing for the Marines, he took up weightlifting and shooting under the tutelage of his Stepfather, Dave McDowell. After High School, Russell joined the Marines, following in his father's footsteps. He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, and then overseas. Whenever he returned to the States, he would speak for classes in the Lafayette School Corporation taught by his mother, Vivian Reeves, a Jefferson High School teacher. He served 3 tours in Iraq in combat roles, as infantryman, SAW-gunner, and Squad Leader, and was honorably discharged as a Corporal. The incredible physique that allowed him to carry a 120 pound pack across the searing desert also drew the attention of professional photographers, and he did some modeling in California, where he lived after he left the Marines. Photos of Russell and friends may be seen at the Webshots album, 'Russell Reeves', by 'davemcdowell2'. Recently, he worked in Laguna Beach, California, where his circle of admiring friends grew exponentially. He strove to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with the help of his loving sister, Aleshia Rohrer (Husband; Steve, daughter; Grace), who lived in nearby San Diego. Family and friends attempted to help Russell re-acclimate to "normal" life, with temporary successes. In the end, his attempts to achieve relief and happiness overcame even his incredibly powerful body. While celebrating with friends from his new job, Russell ended up with a fatal dose of chemicals in his system. Questions about how this came about are still under investigation. His new "friends" chose not to take him to the Emergency Room, or report the death. This much-loved, battle-weary combat survivor died of a drug overdose near a Laguna Beach hospital on Wednesday, September 3. He will be missed by all. Surviving, along with those already mentioned are Stepmother Lorie (Hershman) Reeves, Stepbrother Aaron Hershman (a Marine inspired by Russell), and Grandmother Rowena Hawley. Friends may call from 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, September 9, 2008 in Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston. Funeral service to be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Brookston Federated Church; Rev. Lelan D. McReynolds to officiate. Interment with full military honors to follow in Brookston IOOF Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Russell A. Reeves Memorial Fund and may be mailed to Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home (PO Box 509, Brookston, IN 47923). Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences online at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.