Earl Raymond Reynolds was born on January 14, 1935 in Morrow, Ohio to Richard Harlan Reynolds and Agnes Sarah Abshear. He grew up in Tieton, Washington, working in the fruit orchards with his family and attending Highland High School where he was active in sports and FFA. After graduating, he joined the U.S. Air Force, travelling to Okinawa Japan in his first 4 years of service. During a brief return to Yakima, he met and soon married his wife, Karen Kemper, who together had three children Vicki, Richard and William. Earl honorably served his country for 21 years maintaining the avionics and radar systems on combat aircraft, including a year-long tour of duty in Vietnam in 1969. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, Earl settled his family in Selah, Washington and worked at Decoto / Dowty Aerospace for 18 years. Earl worked briefly in real estate before settling into retirement, RV’ing with his wife and friends and continuously looking for the next elusive “project” around the house, often consulting with experts at his second home, the local hardware store. Earl was the most kind and generous type of man who thrived in making his family and friends happy. His quick wit and unique sense of humor would never fail to bring laughter, smiles and an occasional gasp of shock.
Earl passed away in the company of his wife in the early morning of August 8, 2015 at Selah Convalescent after succumbing to complications from a back injury. Earl is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen, his daughter Vicki and her husband Gary Berg of Yakima, son Bill and his wife Lauren of Kirkland, six grandchildren: Tyler Reynolds and wife Anna, Jason Berg, Spencer Davis, Mackenzie Davis, and Allison Reynolds. Earl has several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Earl was preceded in death by his son Richard Reynolds, with whom he is now catching up after so many years apart. Earl was also preceded in death by his four siblings: Wilson (Bill) Reynolds, Richard (Dick) Reynolds, Leonard Reynolds, and Reba Reynolds (Sauve).
The family extends a special thanks to the management and staff of Selah Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center for their outstanding care and compassionate demeanor.
A memorial service and celebration of life is scheduled for 11:00 AM September 26th, 2015 at Peace Lutheran Church in Selah, Washington, where Earl and his family were involved since 1974.
In lieu of sending flowers or gifts, please consider a donation to Peace Lutheran Church, 91 Wernex Loop Rd., Selah, WA 98942.
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