Donald Lee Reynolds, Sr.

DEVOTED HUSBAND, FATHER, MAN OF FAITH

Donald Lee Reynolds was a testament to a life well-lived, marked by devotion to God and a profound love for both his wife of 63 years and his family of five children. On December 14, 2023, this remarkable man passed away peacefully at the age of 92, leaving behind a legacy of a loving family and Christian service.

He was born and raised in the small town of Scheller, Illinois of parents, William Clifford and Mildred Marie Reynolds. Since his childhood, Donald was known as a very intelligent individual who excelled in academics earning the valedictorian award in high school. He left home to complete a 4-year (1950 - 1954) time of service with the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict aboard the USS FDR Roosevelt. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Gwendolyn Ponce, while stationed in Jacksonville, Florida.

Don worked as a specialist in civilian service for over 30 years earning many impressive professional achievements. His ability to build and repair motors and engines was astonishing. Without formal training, he was able to design and build his own beautiful home from the ground up including adding electric, plumbing, framing and brick. He added on to every place he lived and added to everyone of his five children’s homes. Even into his 80’s, Donald was on roof-tops working. He could repair anything with an engine or motor, from cars and RVs to appliances. He kept friend and family’s engines running.

Don earned a degree in Business and several degrees in Ministry, including an honorary doctorate in Biblical Studies and Ministry. While Don's personal and professional achievements were impressive, it was his role as a Minister of the Word of God and Minister of Worship, that truly defined him. He had a gorgeous voice and performed many solos and concerts. Don also directed many choirs, musicals and cantatas. He leaves a legacy of bible teaching, biblical apologetic writings, and his own personal musings in poetry.

For 63 years, he shared his life with his beloved wife, Gwen, forming a strong and everlasting bond. Together, they weathered life's ups and downs and raised five children; Donald (Kay), Teryl (Bruce), Deena (Bob), Tim (Denna) and Jodee (Bob). Don and Gwen’s family was further enriched by the many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. His unwavering work ethic, his boundless love for his family, and his zest for God’s Word became the cornerstone of his life. He was not just a provider but a source of inspiration, teaching them
the values of dedication, resilience, and the importance of loving God.

A celebration of Donald Lee Reynolds's life will be held at Penney Farms Memorial Church. On December 19th at 10am, friends, family, and colleagues can gather to pay their respects and share their cherished memories of Don.

As we reflect on the life of Donald Lee Reynolds, we are reminded of the beauty of a life lived with passion and purpose. He was not just a devoted husband and father, he was minister of the Word, Minister of Worship, a craftsman, a great family man, and a friend. His legacy is one of inspiration, a reminder that a life well-lived is marked not by the years we accumulate but by the moments we create and the lives we touch.

Donald Lee Reynolds, a loving husband, father, and grandfather and will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts. His life was a testament to the power of God’s boundless love. Though he may no longer be with us in person, his spirit lives on in the memories he created and the lives he enriched.