Joseph L. Reynolds
October 3, 1933 – May 15, 2020
Due to COVID-19, a private family service and interment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Michigan Miracle League (Attn: J. Hoff), 3205 Woodhams, Portage, MI 49002, to help every kid have the chance to play baseball.
Obituary
Age 86, passed away suddenly on May 15, 2020. Joe was born in Kalamazoo on October 3, 1933, the son of the late William and Lila (White) Reynolds. He was a longtime resident of Vicksburg, before moving to his dream home at Shelp Lake in Delton. Joe served in the National Guard with the 126th Infantry as a Combat Engineer and Sharpshooter from 1955-1958. He retired from the Upjohn Company and then worked for the Kalamazoo Greater Auto Auction. He also ran his own janitor business. Joe was a lifelong athlete. He earned seven varsity letters from Portage High School in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He also held the school record for running the mile. Joe graduated from Portage High School in 1951. He managed Vicksburg Merchants Men’s Fastpitch Softball Team and the Vicksburg Fastpitch Tournament for many years and was known as “Coach Grandpa” within Vicksburg Little League. Joe played on various area men’s softball teams well into his 80s and won back to back Gold Medals in the Senior Softball USA Tournament of Champions in 2016 and 2017. He was also named to numerous “All Tournament” teams in senior softball. He enjoyed camping, fishing, kayaking, playing cards and cribbage, attending his grandkid’s sporting events and dance recitals, being silly, and propagating flowers that he snuck out of other people’s yards. Joe also enjoyed Orioles and Hummingbirds and loved spending time “up north” with his family and at his winter home in Naples, Florida. Joe never missed an opportunity to make new friends or to make a child laugh. On June 27, 1953, he married the love of his life, Dorothy J. (Marble) Reynolds, and danced with her for 60 years. She preceded him in death on July 3, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his son, Timm E. Reynolds; brothers, Lawrence, William and John and sisters, Lila, Larene and Lyleen. Joe is survived by his children, Joseph (Joy Herson) Reynolds, Todd (Jody Sukup) Reynolds, Diana (Craig) O’Dell, Jennie (Rick) Holmes and Sean Reynolds; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his dear friend and companion, Marlene Warren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Rest in peace fellow veteran. Brothers In Arms Brave Women and Men All Brothers in arms Called from the cities, The fertile fields of farms Our Grandparents, Fathers and Mothers Sisters and Brothers, Sons and Daughters Brave Women and Men Who answered the call Many returned home, While others did fall War after war With each generation America’s finest Sacrificed for our Nation Hold sacred their memory And the freedoms they gave Say a thankful prayer When you visit their grave These brave veterans America’s own Remembered forever On granite, bronze and stone 2000 John Wayne Droneburg all rights reserved
Joe was a good friend. When ever you needed help, there was Joe. We visited and vacationed with him many times. He had such energy and love of life. I thought he would go on forever. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Joe, I am so sorry about your loss. It is incredibly hard to know what to say at this time, so I will say, You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you
Joe and Joy, We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. We remember him from camping and how funny he was. Our thoughts are with you at this time. Love Lynn and Ron.
I’m sad to hear of Joe’s passing. He definitely made an impression on me. Good to read he still played ball into his eighties. I would bet that he was great at eighty running them bases. I would like Diana,Todd and the rest of his family to know that I care very much. Ryn