Donald "Don" Reynolds' Obituary
On December the 8th, 2020, Donald “Don” Edward Reynolds, loving husband and father of 5, passed away peacefully in Tyler, TX at the age of 79. Don was born on May 18, 1941 in Fort Worth, TX to Lela and Morris Reynolds.
After traveling the country as migrant farmers in search of broomcorn crops, Don and family settled in Bray, OK and attended Doyle School. As a very young man, Don learned that hard work pays off. He would take whatever job possible in an effort to help support his family. He became proficient in everything from automotive mechanics to plumbing, harvesting, electrical and construction work.
Don honorably enlisted the US Army in 1961 where he served as a Heavy Equipment Machine Operator. Throughout his life and career, Don worked as a Truck Driver and Oil Well Guauger, retiring from KOCH industries after 34 years of service.
In 1980, he married the love of his life, Bonnie Hearn, and the two built a treasured foundation of Faith and Family. Living inseparable for over 40 years, Don and Bonnie shared a lifetime of memories that cannot be matched. Bonnie was his rock, and all the way until his final hours, he passionately exclaimed how thankful he was to have such “an Angel”. He reiterated this frequently with family and friends and was so appreciative of the care she provided to him during his healthcare challenges (including the Chicken Fried Everything!). He supported Bonnie and family, providing a comfortable, secure and faithful home.
Everyone knew how genuine Don was. If it was 105 degrees outside you’d fine him in boots, jeans and a pearl snap shirt, outside picking the garden, and gathering eggs out of the chicken coup. Again, his hard work paid off. He was a God fearing man. He would remind you right quick how if you aren’t right with the Lord you better make it happen, because we’re never guaranteed tomorrow. Don certainly had a way of letting his Southern raisin’ come out. Other than the aforementioned Chicken Fried Steak requests and fried taters’ for breakfast, here are a few of his well-known catch phrases:
• Greetings---- “Hi-dee”
• Farewell----- “Y’all be careful now”
• Over There----“Down Yonder”
• Upset----------- “Pitchin a hissy”
• Mad------------- “Mad-erna ol wet hen”
• Bless You------- “Well bless your heart”
• Wow/Oh My----“Well I’ll be a cotton picker”
• Grandchildren-----“Feller, Gal”
• Use Silicone-------“Gob-it-UP!"
Don’s favorite hobbies included hunting, fishing and the outdoors but he found a niche in growing a lucrative garden. To say Don had a green thumb was an understatement. He was legendary. His success in cultivation provided a surplus of vegetables, which he generously offered for nothing in return. Don grew beautiful crops including turnip greens, corn, potatoes, peppers, onions, tomatoes and many more! As the example to follow, He was a patient, warm and good-natured man whose altruistic approach to life fostered a loving, kind and generous culture in all who were fortunate to know him. Don was a wonderful man and his legacy will live on for generations to come thanks to the values he demonstrated.
Don was preceded in death by his sisters Emmi and Faye, brothers, David, John and Jim, and son Jerry D. Reynolds.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie Reynolds of Liberty City, TX; his son Donnie, wife Melissa and grandson Jasper of White Oak, TX; his son Paul, wife Tracey and granddaughter Taylor of Flint, TX; daughter Rhonda, husband James and granddaughter Tiffany and Alana of Kilgore, TX; daughter Andrea, husband Johnny and granddaughter Hannah of Longview, TX. Additionally, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, great-grandchildren and beyond!
Don is also survived by long time best friends Richard and Linda Self of Liberty City. He was so grateful for the times spent sitting on the porch “shooting the bull”. You mean so much to our family. Remember, “good friends never say goodbye, they just say see you later”.
A private, family “Celebration of Life” will be held, in lieu of a service, due to current COVID restrictions and the family’s wishes. They would like to thank Shelly, April and Carla from Elite Home Health for their love and kindness shown in his final days. Additionally, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation to granddaughter Hannah Greathouse for the countless hours of selfless sacrifice made to care for Bonnie and Don during their trying times.
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