Rev. Ronald E. Reaves

The Reverend Ronald Edgar Reaves, 78, of Hagerstown, MD, passed away on October 23, 2024. Born on March 14, 1946, in Gettysburg, PA. Ronald was a man of deep faith, a devoted family member, and a beloved pastor, known for his passion for art, music, photography, and travel. Ronald dedicated his life to ministry, earning a Master of Divinity from Gettysburg Lutheran Theological Seminary and being ordained as a Lutheran pastor on June 25, 1972. He was a graduate of Gettysburg High School (64) and Gettysburg College (68). His ministry spanned more than 52 years, with a notable tenure at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Frederick Maryland until his retirement. Throughout his career, Ron was known for creativity and innovation. He introduced puppet ministry and liturgical art, using these mediums to engage people with the gospel of all ages. His love for international travel inspired him to lead annual pilgrimages, offering participants opportunities for both spiritual growth and cultural exploration.Beyond the walls of the church, Ronald was an active member of the Lions Club and a fixture in the communities he served, forming lasting bonds with friends, colleagues, parishioners, and acquaintances. His life was marked by warmth, service, and a deep commitment to helping others.In addition to his ministry, Ron pursued his love for art, music, and photography with passion, often capturing life’s beauty through his camera lens or in his many drawings of liturgical art. His love for travel and the connections he made along the way enriched the lives of those who accompanied him on his many journeys.

Ronald married and is survived by his wife Lucretia (Leather) Reaves, married on June 17, 1978. He is survived by his daughter Pamela (Reaves) Miles and her husband Randy of Williamsport, MD, and his son Rev. Dr. Bradford Reaves and his wife Andrea of Greencastle, PA. He was a proud grandfather to Delaney Miles, Jordyn Miles, and Noah Reaves. Ronald’s nephew, Gregory Reaves, his wife Summer, and their son Gary, also held a very special place in his heart. Additional family include Gerald and Ramonde Leather and his beloved nieces Martine Sapp, Corrine Leather, and Valerie Leather Dzbynski. He was also loved by countless friends, colleagues, parishioners, and acquaintances. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Rollins Reaves (October 15, 1921 – June 20, 2012) and Betty Jane (Rohrbaugh) Reaves (May 6, 1925 – December 16, 2017), as well as his brother Gary Rollins Reaves (June 28, 1978).

A viewing and visitation will be held at Myers Durboraw Funeral Home, 210 West Main Street, Emmitsburg, MD, on Monday, October 28, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral services will follow on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 at 2:30 PM, at Elias Lutheran Church, 100 West North Ave., Emmitsburg, MD, The Reverend Bishop William Gohl will be presiding. There will be visitation one hour prior to the service Ronald’s legacy of faith, creativity, and love will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and those he served throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made in his honor to Mar-Lu-Ridge Retreat Center in Jefferson, MD.