The Rev. Jerry Homer Reynolds, 86, of Doniphan, formerly of De Soto, died Nov. 12, 2020. Rev. Reynolds was born Dec. 26, 1933, in De Soto, the son of the late Harry and Blanche (Merrill) Reynolds. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, serving from 1953 to 1956. Following his military service, he was married and went to work as a carpenter. Later in life, he was called to the ministry, attending seminary and being ordained in 1975 as a pastor for the United Methodist Church.
He served the Northeast and Southeast Missouri Methodist District for decades, including Lewistown, Lancaster, Campbell, and Sikeston as his main charges. He retired to Doniphan in 1996, but never lost his strong connection to the ministry, frequently filling in for other pastors or serving as interim pastor for churches in the southeast Missouri area. He continued to teach his Sunday School class at Doniphan United Methodist Church, as well as co-pastoring the Tucker Methodist Church with his wife until January of this year when illness forced his retirement. He was especially fond of his dogs, and loved puttering around his property on a tractor or mower, trimming grass and mulching leaves. His family and friends remember his quick wit and sense of humor.
He is survived by his wife of more than 64 years: Almarie Daniels Reynolds, whom he married on June 15, 1956; a daughter: Linda Reynolds of Doniphan; two sons: Mark (Karen) Reynolds of Brighton, Tenn., and Keith (Tracy) Reynolds of Pendleton, Ind.; two daughters-in-law: Kathy Paxton of Hannibal and Robyn Reynolds of St. Charles; a sister: Erna Melkus of De Soto; a brother: Ralph Reynolds of De Soto; a sister: Janice (Bob) Siebels of De Soto; 16 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and their extended families.
He was preceded in death by two sons: Michael Reynolds, USN and Larry Reynolds, USN-Ret.; two brothers Orville Reynolds and Jack Reynolds; and a sister: Glenice Drake (Oxly).
Arrangements were under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home in Doniphan.