Jerry “JR” Lee Reynolds

Jerry “JR” Lee Reynolds, 86, died November 25, 2016 at his home in Copeland. He was born on October 24, 1930 in Wentworth, Missouri the son of Lee L. and Mary Frances (Fertig) Reynolds.

JR attended the Van Buren country school near the family farm in Wentworth, walking a mile and half to school every day. From the time he was old enough to help, he was working on the family farm. They raised strawberries, wheat, oats, corn, and hay as well as tending to beef and dairy cattle. JR moved to Kansas on July 4, 1949. On June 9, 1951, he married Joyce Tyler in Copeland. She survives. JR worked at Security Elevator in Copeland and as a custom harvester for Wheaties also of Copeland. He served as the Copeland City clerk, delivered the Hutchinson newspaper, and was on the volunteer fire department in Copeland. 

JR enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing baseball. As a teen, he played baseball on a team in Wentworth. They played against many teams in Missouri, including a team that Mickey Mantle was on. He loved spending time with his family.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, JR is survived by three children, James Reynolds and wife Thresa of Copeland, Terri Love of Copeland, and Jerry Reynolds of Salina; one sister, Wilma Hagebusch of Wentworth, Missouri; three grandchildren, Denna Gonzalez and husband Isac of Dodge City, Chelsea May of Wichita, and Chance Love of Kechi; five great grandchildren, Kayden Michael Reynolds, Aubrianna Shae Gonzalez, Easton Isac Gonzalez, Tyler Rose Reynolds, and Seth Lucas May. He is preceded in death by his parents; five sisters, Mary Ann Miller, Mildred Carver, Viola Castle, Arlena Carver, and Mable Reynolds; one brother, Thaddeus Reynolds; and a grandson, Tyler Reynolds.

Memorial service will be held at Copeland Christian Church on Thursday December 1, 2016 at 10:30 AM with Mr. Doug Harris presiding. Burial will follow at Copeland Cemetery. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to St. Catherine Hospice in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel – PO Box 421 – Montezuma, Kansas 67867. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.