Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds
Passed: February 02, 2021
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Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds
Passed: February 02, 2021
Obituary
Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds, December 12, 1924-February 2, 2021 Born near Clear Creek, Tennessee, he was the son of Louis Alcain and Lelia Mae Jones Reynolds. Shortly after graduating Clinton High School, he enlisted, and as a Morse Code master, despite his height, over 6′, he requested service in the US Navy, aboard a submarine “it had better food.” As part of the Greatest Generation, he served in WWII and the Korean War and later in life he was a proud member of local Sub Vets Perch Base and White Mountain Base. In 2016 he was selected for one of the last Honor Flights for WWII vets to Washington, DC. He also helped raise funds for the recently completed submarine memorial in Wesley Bolin Plaza.
Upon return from Korea he joined family in Phoenix where he met the love of his life, Bea, on a blind date. They were married a few months later.
He began his career at the Arizona Republic/Phoenix Gazette taking classified ads and rose to Director of Advertising. He was a respected and well-liked colleague as any who knew him could attest. He retired after 35 years and moved with Bea to the White Mountains of Arizona where they built and ran Deer Springs Inn for many years. They forged countless new friendships over these years, enjoying time with their guests around the campfire. At age 75, he earned an Associates Degree from the local college. Lou and Bea eventually moved to Avondale to be near family.
Lou was committed to civic and professional engagement throughout his life and served on the board or volunteered for: Toastmasters, Optimist Club, Junior Achievement, Little League, Phoenix Little Theater, Love Kitchen, White Mountain Symphony, and St. Mary’s Food Bank.
He enjoyed golf, bowling, R&G baseball, hunting, fishing, horseshoes and cards. A lover of the mountains that reminded him of home, he and his brother Carl built a stone cabin from the hillside near Diamond Point, AZ, that their families shared for many years.
He has been involved with his church since boyhood most recently Christ Community UMC, Avondale, and in Show Low, White Mountain UMC, where he was asked to be a lay preacher.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Beulah Bea VanHise Reynolds; children, Amy, Stephen, and Patricia Schuler (Roy); grandsons, Brandon and Ryan Schuler; little sister, Ruby Csuy (Paul); many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brothers Carl and Conda, and sister Ruth Kinsky.
Memorial service will take place February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Thompson’s Funeral Chapel, Goodyear, AZ, and will also be live-streamed for family and friends that have been provided with a link.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Food Bank or the Humane Society.
27 responses to Louis “Lou” Clyde Reynolds
Gina Schneidewind says:
February 23, 2021
I so enjoyed my brief 32 years of time with this magnificent, loving man! From light-hearted to deep and spiritual talks….Lou quickly became one of my favorite people on the planet. Wishing I could have had one more talk and hug, but I know I will have my chance ☀️ Love to the entire family!
Janice & John Curd says:
February 23, 2021
Dear LBRey, We sure miss seeing you both at church since we moved away! Both of You always showed such genuine kindness and took time
to visit when we chanced to meet or at the Meet, Greet& Eat group meetings and Food Bank Saturdays. Since Lou was so tall, he always had to bend WAYWAY over to get to the bottom of the bins. I offered once to get him a chair,but he just grinned and let me know HE did not need a chair, but would be happy to get one for ME. Lou was such a fine gentleman, and always had a grin that made me want to smile too! He will be missed by many, including us!
Our love,
Janice & JOhn Curd
Susan Lemieux says:
February 23, 2021
Wonderful memories of Uncle Lou and Aunt Bea growing up, holidays and barbecues, playing with Amy, Steve and Patti, the R & G Ranch picnics, and our time together at the stone cabin Lou built with Uncle Carl. And in later years, spending time with him at the Reynolds reunions at Linda and Jerry’s, listening to his interesting life stories, the book he wanted to write, and mostly just enjoying his kind presence and smile. Lou was a genuine human being, someone who has always been in my heart, even if our life paths didn’t cross frequently. Having thoughtful, caring people in one’s life especially as a child is so important. Lou was one of those people for me. A life well-lived, my thoughts and prayers are with him and with all who love him.
Micki Klofanda says:
February 23, 2021
Bea and Family: Lou will be greatly missed. I too have been blessed to know him. My heart goes out to you all for having to let hubby/dad go! From the service today knowing that his sweet spirit will be hanging around, a thought away, until you meet again. Keeping you in my prayers….love ya! Micki
Virginia, Shirley, Jean and Mary Lou. V says:
February 23, 2021
Too many memories to put into so few words!! The sisters growing up with Uncle Louie & Aunt Ruby living with us after their mother passed. The memories would fill a book!! He was an amazing man and will be missed so much. Sending love, hugs and prayers to all.