Lynn Edward Reynolds, age 89, went home to be with the Lord on March 8, 2025, after a short battle with multiple myeloma, in Springfield, MO. He had longed for this day for many years – finishing a race well run, surrounded by beloved members of his family who ushered him from this earth singing hymns, as he crossed the finish line, receiving his prize by meeting Jesus face-to-face, and welcoming him home. 

At his long-awaited homecoming, he was reunited with his bride of “60 years, 8 months, and 9 days” (as he often reminded the family), and his eldest son, Ron Reynolds, both who preceded him in death, along with his brothers C. Les Reynolds, Jim, sister Pat, and grandson Kenny.  

Lynn was born March 16, 1935, in Springfield, Missouri, to Claude Leslie (Red) Reynolds and Pearl May Sherrod Reynolds. He graduated from Springfield Senior High School in May of 1953, and was married to Shirley Ann Stafford on August 3rd, 1953 (who became his girlfriend in the summer after their 3rd year of grade-school). Lynn and Shirley had three sons (as well as 3 beloved daughter-in-laws); Ronald William Reynolds (wife; Cindy), Stephen Lynn Reynolds (wife; Delana), and Lyle Daniel Reynolds (wife; Kathy). Along with Les, Jim, and Pat, Lynn had 3 half siblings; Ken Reynolds, Cindy Myers, and Niles Bade.

Psalms 127 says, “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Lynn’s quiver wasn’t just full – it overflowed – with 12 grandchildren; Matt, Chris, and Abby (from Ron & Cindy), Lyndee, Kimberly and Michael (from Steve & Delana), Phil, Renae, Katie, Kenny, Keith, and Adrianna Jae (from Danny & Kathy), along with 23 great-grandchildren, who were his pride and joy. At the time of his passing, he had a family of descendants (including spouses) that exceeded over seventy people. 

Lynn was a life-long journeyman sheet metal worker for Eagle Sheet Metal, in Springfield, Missouri, where he gained notoriety for his ability to perform difficult metal work, often over one hundred feet above the ground, standing on a mere beam or hanging from a swing to perform the task at hand. Beyond his work, Lynn loved to have fun, and was an avid golfer (with 13 holes-in-one!), fisherman, and St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs fan.

Lynn was an ordained deacon in the Baptist Church and after serving many years in that capacity at Broadway Baptist Church (now Crossway) and Second Baptist Church, he became a charter member at One Community Church, in Rogersville, Missouri. 

Most importantly, Lynn loved Jesus with all his heart, soul, and strength. He never missed an opportunity to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone he came in contact with. He also loved people – from the many members of his family to the waitress at Cracker Barrel – as much (or more) than he loved himself. He never met a stranger, and was an epic and captivating story-teller (occasionally adding small “details” to his stories that earned the term “Reynolds’ Exaggeration” – something that has been passed down to the generations after him). He was hilarious and full of life, “the fun grandpa” who loved taking his friends and family to play golf, fish, bowl, and cheer on his favorite baseball or football team, and sing Marty Robbins’ songs on road trips. But he was also was a Discipler of many, a marriage counselor, loved singing hymns and Christmas carols around the family piano that his wife Shirley beautifully played, and loved to worship on the Lord’s Day at church, where he also gained a reputation for bringing a “hankie” to church (and sometimes two hankies if the sermon was really good) – quick to joyful emotion, especially concerning God and family – that “Reynolds’ Emotion” also being passed down to his family.

Lynn had a positive life-changing impact on hundreds of people over the course of his life and he was dearly loved by his family and friends, who now rejoice that he’s with Jesus and the family he missed so much who preceded him in death. Most importantly, he leaves a legacy of how to live a life – one that was focused on the things that matter most, and passing those values down the generations.

  While March 8th was the end of his physical life here on earth, it is the beginning of eternity for him, and a continuation of his legacy that will live long after him. He will be incredibly missed. But the values and the Gospel that permeated from him will last because of a life well-lived by “a good and faithful servant” of Jesus Christ. 

A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at One Community Church in Rogersville on May 3rd, 2025 at 10:30am. in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bridges for Youth (bridgesforyouth.com) or mailed to Bridges For Youth, 1039 W Nichols, Springfield, Missouri 65802.