John Edward Reynolds Jr.

John Edward Reynolds, Jr., 90, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 3rd, surrounded by his family. He was born August 25, 1927 in Kansas City, KS. John was a devoted husband, father of 6, grandfather of 15, great-grandfather of 18, and one great-great grandchild. John lost his father at 8 years old and began working to help out his mother who was 80% blind. This was during the depression era He graduated from Wyandotte High School in 1945 and attended Kansas University and studied geology. He and Dorothy met on a blind date leading to 69 years of marriage. Together they traveled the world. He served in the Marine Corps in 1945 with an honorable discharge after WWII ended. John was an encourager and an example of faith. Faith he learned very early from his mother; his richness was in his kids and family, raising 6 Christian, productive children that remain very close. John had a very strong work ethic; he worked multiple jobs at a time to support his family. His career included many years at the Santa Fe Railway and Stewart Sand. He passed his strong work values onto his children. John was a daring adventurer, owned a plane, and orchestrated many escapades in his life, some funny, most were harrowing and amazing that he survived. John loved world news, was a visionary and entrepreneur. He enjoyed all genres of music, and even surprised his children, taking them to the Beatles concert at Municipal Stadium. He continued to see numerous concerts all through his life. John admired and appreciated every tiny detail and its perfection from the architecture of a building, veins of a leaf, to the emotions behind the eyes of an animal. He did not know a stranger and was always happy to keep the conversations and the party going. He had a unique and spontaneous gift to surprise and spread joy. If there was a will, he would find a way! For those who knew him, John will be remembered for his wit, generosity and love for his wife and children. He cherished family times at the lake and the wonderful memories that were made. His family was his life and with his unselfish love and wisdom, he has enriched their lives. He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Reynolds. Survivors include: six children: Stephen Reynolds wife Margie, Jan Packard husband Ted, Debbie Marr husband Monty, Teri Hallberg Gourley husband David Gourley, Eric Reynolds wife Lisa, and Kristina Reynolds McFeeters and fiancé Jerry Aldridge. Visitation for John will be held 6:00 - 8:00 PM Wednesday, March 14, 2018 at Colonial Presbyterian Church, 12501 W 137th Street, Overland Park, KS 66221. A Celebration of Life will be at 10 AM, Thursday, March 15 at Colonial Presbyterian. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery. Reception will follow returning back to Colonial Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be made to Samaritans Purse and Harvesters.

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John Edward Reynolds Jr.

August 25, 1927 - March 3, 2018