Donald Reynolds

Donald Emerson Reynolds, Major USAF (Retired), died on December 12, 2011, at Scott & White Hospital in Temple, TX. He was born on May 20, 1922 to Russell L. Reynolds and Daphne Heald-Reynolds in Waterville, Maine.

Don was preceded in death by his first wife of 24 years, Lee Boyce, of Columbia, MO, whom he married in 1945; son, Donald L. Reynolds; and by his sister Margaret Poole of Clinton, ME. He is survived by his children, Susan Reynolds-Haywood of Salado, TX, Robert Reynolds of Shady Shores, TX and Linda Reynolds-Battle of Austin, TX; his sister Martha Reynolds-Stebbins of Ocala, FL; brother, Joseph Reynolds of Odessa, TX; nine grandchildren: Paul Haywood III, Shaun Haywood, Damon Haywood, Cristina Reynolds-Feldott, Jessica Reynolds-Wright, USAF Captain Russell Reynolds, Matthew Reynolds, Steven Albarado and Erica Grizzard. In addition, he leaves behind eight great-grandchildren: Lauren, Jason and Lucy Feldott; Taylor, Skylar, and Gunnar Haywood; Lilian Wright, Hudson Haywood and a ninth due in July 2012.

Donald E. Reynolds joined the United States Army Air Corps as an enlisted man. In his 25 years of service he earned a master's degree in aeronautic engineering and was promoted to USAF Major.

Don and his family moved throughout the United States and Puerto Rico during their 25-year commitment. Upon his retirement in 1965, Major Reynolds and his family moved to Austin, TX, as a private citizen. Don worked in the financial industry, as well as, owning a small delivery business for GMAC. In 1984, Don went back to his roots in aviation, taking a job as a flight school trainer at American Airlines.

Don was a fifty-year master mason of the Masons Lodge #146 of Maine and was an Exalted Ruler of Elks Lodge #124 in Ft. Worth, TX. He was also a Catholic Deacon for many years. Don tirelessly volunteered for Meals on Wheels and donated generously to many charities.

Don was a voracious reader with a particular love for poetry and was noted for his ability to recite from memory. His family warmly recalls his fireside stories and poems.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX. The Family will receive guests beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Don would appreciate any donations go to your favorite charity in his name. Thank you.