Walter Earle “Junior” Reynolds, Jr., of Galesburg, died Wednesday, September 29, 2021, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
Junior was born June 14, 1935, in Galesburg, the son of Walter Earle and Jennie (Shannon) Reynolds, Sr. He graduated from ROVA High School in 1955. He entered the US Air Force and had a career spanning 20 years and was honorably discharged in October 1977. He married Sandra Lynn Christy on January 13, 1975, in Omaha, NE. Sandra preceded him in death on November 24, 2020. Junior is survived by five daughters, Julie (Dan) McEwen of Galesburg, Christy (Jeremy) Gerard of Oneida, Terry Reynolds-Fetty of New Jersey, Rhonda Reynolds of Pennsylvania, and Deanna Rock of West Virginia; thirteen grandchildren including, Barbara (David) Dickson of Cambridge, Joshua (Rebecca Riggs) McEwen of Davis, CA, Jessica (Cody Spurrier) McEwen of Galesburg, Jaren Gerard, Gavin Gerard, and Jayden Gerard all of Oneida; and several great-grandchildren. Walter is also survived by two brothers, Don (Sharon) Reynolds and Sam (Karen) Reynolds both of Oneida; and three sisters, Wilma (John) Hessler of Galesburg, Donna (the late David) Morgan of Oneida, and Nancy (Richard) McKay of Gulfport, MS. Along with his wife Sandra, Walter was preceded in death by his parents.
After being retiring from the US Air Force, Junior went on to a career in agriculture working at Wataga Crop, Gateway CO-OP, and on his own custom field applications. Junior honored the title of husband by caring for his wife for many years. He enjoyed staying busy and never liked idle hands. He attended Carl Sandburg College in his 80’s to learn how to paint on canvas. He also enjoyed woodworking particularly birdhouses and gardening. He loved feeding the birds so much he would plow a path in the snow to feed them. As a veteran, he was a member of the Oneida American Legion Post 727, Galesburg VFW Post 2257, and was proud to have been able to take the Honor Flight.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, October 4, 2021, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Pastor Andrew Wingo will officiate. There will be no visitation. Burial will follow with military rites by the Oneida American Legion at the Oneida Cemetery, Oneida. Memorials contributions may be made to Carl Sandburg College Art Program. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
