CENTRAL CITY – Benton M. Reeves, formally of Central City, and Owensboro, died at 1:30AM August 5, 2012 at the Western Kentucky Veterans Center in Hanson. He was born July 31, 1922 in Muhlenberg County to William Hamilton Rives and Ada Dell Shemwell. He began his education at Dunmor High School, and was the last surviving member of the 1938-1939 Dunmor Wildcat Basketball team. After completing the requirements for high school he entered the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked to build the facilities at Mammoth Cave National Park. In 1940 he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps where he served as a Flight Instructor, and later trained as a tail gunner for the proposed invasion of Japan. In November 1942 he married the love of his life, Dorothy Belle Gossett of Rosewood. After completing his service he took full advantage of the Montgomery G.I. Bill and returned to Bowling Green and in 1949 received the first of his many degrees from Western Kentucky University. Soon after, he began his teaching career at Central City High School. In addition to teaching, he also worked as an Auxiliary Operator at the Kentucky Utilities Power Plant, and worked in carpentry during the summer months. Outside of his professional career, he enjoyed traveling, fishing, and spending time with his wife and family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy Belle Reeves in 2007, his mother and father, two brothers, two sisters, and nine step-brothers and sisters. He is survived by three sons, Boyce (Michelle), William (Barbara), and Robert (Sheri); eleven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; his brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Moore of Greenville; sister-in-law Mrs. Lenore Gossett of Greenville; and many nieces and nephews across the country. Funeral services will be Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 3:00PM at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City. Burial in Rosewood United Methodist Church Cemetery in Rosewood. Visitation will be Tuesday beginning at 1:00PM at the funeral home. The family asks that expressions of sympathy be directed in Mr. Reeves name to either the Western Kentucky Veterans Center, 926 Veterans Drive, Hanson, KY 42413, or the Rosewood United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Mrs. Erlene Jones, 451 Sherwood Point Lane, Greenville, KY 42345. Online condolences may be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.