Richard Lee Reynolds

Richard Lee (Dick) Reynolds, 89, passed away peacefully in his home on May 3, 2022. He was born Feb. 6, 1933, in Ringgold County, Tingley, Iowa, the son of Everett Gerald Reynolds and Orpha Vivian Reynolds (Combs).
    Reynolds graduated from Mt. Ayr High School, class of 1953. He was an outstanding athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball. Following graduation, he went to work as a lineman for Rideta Electric Association (REA) and married Barbara Kay Mains. Five children were born to this union: Andrew Lee, Brenda Kay, Daniel Alan, Shelly Rae and Lori Anne.
    Reynolds was drafted into the United States Army in 1954 and served for two years in the finance department at Fort Bliss El Paso, Texas. He was very proud to serve his country and was a lifetime member of the Iowa American Legion. After discharge from the Army, he returned to Mt. Ayr and to his job with REA. While working as a lineman, he attended the American Institute of Business in Des Moines, Iowa, and became an accountant for REA. Later he purchased the Sandwich Shop in Mt. Ayr, while also working part-time for Life Investors Company of America and eventually became a full-time agent.
    Reynolds assumed residence in Reeds Spring, in 1979 and married Phyllis Gonseth. After retirement from Life Investors Insurance Co., his employment included MCI, Pinegar Chevrolet and Bass Pro.
    In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Barbara, infant daughter Lori Anne, sister Judith Elaine, son Daniel Alan, son in-law Jim Golay, grandson Nicholas Grose, stepson Steven Gonseth, sister in-law Patricia Lee, sister in-law Patricia Prentis and brother in-law John Main.
    Surviving is his wife Phyllis Reynolds, son Andy and his wife Shelby of Mt. Ayr; daughters Brenda Grose of Mt. Ayr and Shelly Golay of Casper, Wyo.; stepchildren Michael Gonseth and his wife Fran of Grand Junction, Colo., Douglas Gonseth of Aurora, Kim Gonseth of Crane, Vicki Gonseth of Walnut Grove; 13 grandchildren, 10 step-grandchildren,  18 great-grandchildren, 8 step great-grandchildren; sister, Carolyn Schump and husband Harold; nieces Jackie Fargo and husband Stephen, Janie Meadows; brother-in-law Raymond Prentis and sister-in-law, Susan Main.
    A service of remembrance will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Birch Funeral Home, 204 E. Main, Ash Grove.