Dexter Urban Reavis' Obituary
Dexter Urban Reavis, 71, of Carthage, MO, left this life for his heavenly home on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at his home, surrounded by family, after a long illness.
He was born December 26, 1948 in Miami, OK to Roy Gene Reavis and Iona May (Oney) Reavis. He attended Welch Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1967. He was a member of the Welch Baptist Church, later becoming a member of Harmony Heights Baptist Church in Joplin.
He served his country in the United States Navy. After being discharged, he attended NEO A&M College in Miami. He went on the attend Oklahoma State University in Stillwater where he obtained his Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 1978.
He practiced as a large and small animal veterinarian from 1978 to 1991 in Northeast Oklahoma and Southeast Kansas. After many years, he was forced to retire due to a back injury. He then began working for the USDA serving in multiple roles, including Supervisory Team Leader/Deputy Branch Chief with Food Safety and Inspection Service with the Federal State Audit Branch in Omaha, NE. He retired in 2015.
He is preceded in death by his father, Roy Gene Reavis of Welch, OK.
He is survived by his mother, Iona May (Oney) Reavis of Welch; one son, Kelly Reavis and wife Traci of Allen, TX; a daughter, Ashley Lilienkamp and husband Adam of Carthage, MO; one granddaughter, Halle Hance of Owasso, OK; four grandsons, Liam Benford and Garrett, Blayne, and Cooper Lilienkamp of Carthage, MO; two brothers, Troy Reavis and wife Cathy of Edmond, OK, and Roger Reavis and wife Barbara of Bartlesville, OK; one sister, Janee Millarr and husband Andy of Vinita, OK; along with nieces and nephews, Troy Reavis, Brandon Reavis, Clinton Reavis, Trevor James, Colin Reavis, Lindsay James, Lauren Wiley, and Whitney Hill.
A private burial will be held in the Welch Cemetery. When large group gatherings are once again allowed, a graveside service will be held. Friends may pay their respects and sign the guest book on Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Thomas & Chenoweth Funeral Home in Welch.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the OSU School of Veterinary Medicine or the Welch Baptist Church, c/o Thomas & Chenoweth Funeral Home, P.O. Box 231 Welch, OK 74369.
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