John Durward "J.D." Reavis, age 98 passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2014, at his home in Seguin, Texas. He was born on March 20, 1916 in Refugio, Texas to George Bertie and Rosie Ella (Gillum) Reavis. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Maness Reavis; son, Randy Reavis and wife Kathy; step-daughters, Rhonda Mercer and husband Mike, Annette Welker and Shari Shepard; step-son, Mark Curry and wife Cindy; grandchildren, Wayne Reavis and wife Tricia, James Robert Reavis, and Nancy Stoner and husband Nick; great-grandchildren, John Race and Jonesy Stoner, Lindy Beth and John Patton Reavis; numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Alice Raum Reavis, his parents and four sisters, Zula, Zelma, Elvis "Polly" and Eldred, and one brother, George Irving Reavis. J.D.'s parents came to Refugio, Texas where he was born, by covered wagon. He came to the Rio Grande Valley in 1949 followed by his family in 1950 where they lived in Citrus City, until they later moved to Edinburg. J.D. was a pioneer citrus grower in Water District 16 in Mission and served on that water board for over 30 years. He was also in the butane business and a speculator in the real estate business. In 1964 he was selected as the Outstanding Conservation Farmer in Zone 5, Willacy-Hildago District 312. One of his great passions was farming in Moree, New South Wales, Australia, where he and his family visited many times. He also loved raising registered cattle which included various breeds over the years. Anyone who knew J.D. knew that he loved going to Las Vegas to play blackjack. He was quite successful at it, culminating in a blackjack tournament win at the Stardust Hotel. Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of one's choice.