Walter E. Reeder

Walter E. Reeder, age 90, of Penrose, CO, passed away peacefully after a long illness on January 5, 2026, at home surrounded by loved ones.

Walt was born on March 19, 1935, in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, to Carl & Gracie (Coulter) Reeder. Walter was known for his down-home, wry sense of humor. He attended Elgin Schools until transferring to Lawton High School for the last semester of his senior year. After graduation, Walter went on to Telegraph Operators’ School in Pueblo, CO, where he met Pearl Phillips. They courted for one week before Walt had to return to Oklahoma. The lovebirds corresponded back and forth by mail and there were short visits until Walt could return to Colorado for good. Once back in Pueblo, they were married two months after their first date, on his 20th birthday. They moved to Oklahoma afterward.

After a short stint as a telegraph operator with the railroad, Walt got into sales at a local used car lot. He went on to have a fulfilling career in various sales jobs until the early 1970’s when he started his own company. In the late 1980’s Walt joined Pearl to grow their new business, Stagecoach Olde Tyme Photos. Walt and Pearl employed many friends and family members in the business, going to state fairs, music festivals and various other special events.

Beyond Walt’s professional life, he was passionate about serving the Lord in various capacities at church, his very large family, buying and selling cars, and even went on three ocean cruises and other family vacations.

Walter is survived by his wife, Pearl (Phillips) Reeder, daughter, Ruth Ann Hagan, son, David Reeder (spouse Terre Reeder), daughter, Phyllis Ibarra (spouse Jesús Ibarra), son, Ron Reeder (spouse Sherryl Reeder), 16 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren and 4 great, great-grandchildren all whom he adored. Walt was preceded in death by his parents Carl & Gracie Reeder, sister, Ruth Heddlesten, and brother, Elmer Reeder.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Steeple Event & Conference Center, 701 Macon Ave., Cañon City, CO 81212.

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