Sistos R Reyes

March 28, 1921 – March 11, 2015

On the morning of March 11, 2015, Sistos (“Sis”) age 93, was called into the arms of our Lord while in the comfort of his home, in the presence of loved ones, and under the constant care of his devoted and selfless wife Catalina. Sistos was born in Moline, KS, and at age 8, he moved to Coffeyville, Kansas, where he graduated from Field Kindley High School in 1939. He was an avid athlete throughout high school. He lettered in track and football.

Sistos was inducted into the United States Army in 1942 and received his basic training at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. After basic training he was assigned to the 514th Antiaircraft Artillery Automatic Weapons Battalion. The Battalion left the United States for Oran, Algiers where it took part in operation “Torch.”

In September 1943, his battalion joined the 36th Division (a.k.a. Texas Division) of the 5th Army to fight in the Italian Campaign. The assault began on Salerno then they proceeded up the Italian Peninsula to the engagements at Anzio, Mt Cassino, and into Rome. In August 1944, the battalion joined the 7th Army under General Patch in the invasion of Southern France which took them through the Rhineland Campaign. At the war’s end, the battalion was in Austria. TEC Corporal Reyes was a rifle marksman and earned the following ribbons: The Good Conduct, The European, African and Middle East Ribbon, five bronze stars and two arrowheads designating operation in two invasions and the World War II Victory Ribbon. He was honorably discharged in 1945.

Following the war, he joined his family in Kansas City, Missouri, where he eventually worked for Darby Steel Company as a welder and X-ray machinist for 31 years. He retired from Darby Corp at the age of 62. He belonged to the Boilermakers Union Local #83.

He married Catalina Padilla in 1949 in Armourdale, Kansas at Mount Carmel Catholic Church. They were married 65 years and had 8 children. When asked which was more difficult, fighting in WWII or raising 8 children, he said, “I don’t know, both were pretty tough”.

Affectionately called “Papo Sis”, he was a wonderful man, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was a very special man. He was quiet, humble, stern, proud, and very family oriented.

He was a hard worker, loved to house paint, and fix things around the house. He seemed to have a tool for every job.

He loved watching TV, especially old westerns, black and white movies, sports, the sci-fi channel and nightly news casts. He also read the newspaper every morning.

He loved music and was a great dancer. He enjoyed listening to big band and Mexican ranchero music on his front porch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Juan Reyes, his brother, Lupe Reyes, and his sisters: Rebecca Reyes, Jessie Arciga, Antonia Gonzalez, and Alvina Aguilera.

Sistos is survived by: Wife, Catalina (Catherine) Reyes of Kansas City, Sisters, Juanita Leyva, Virginia Parra, Brother, Jim Reyes, Sr., all of Kansas City, Children: John Reyes (wife Mary Angela) of Kansas City, MO, Laura Reyes Schneider (and spouse Cary) of Plano, TX, Daniel Reyes of KCMO, Michael Reyes of KCMO, Anthony Reyes (wife Alesia) of Independence, MO, Phillip Reyes (wife Tami) of Columbia, IL, Mario Reyes (wife Johanna) of Independence, MO, Alicia Reyes Satre (husband Tim) of Sour Lake, TX, 16 Grand Children, 16 Great Grandchildren, and 1 Great Great Grandchild.

Sistos will always be deeply missed and never forgotten. Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2015 from 4-6 p.m., with a rosary service immediately following at McGilley Midtown Chapel, 20 W. Linwood Blvd, KCMO. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, March 16, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Guardian Angels Catholic Church, 1310 Westport Road, KCMO 64111. Burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, KCK. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial gifts to the charity of your choice or to Guardian Angels Food Pantry. Condolences may be made at

www.mcgilleymidtownchapel.com