Don Reynolds

Donald (Don) Robert Reynolds
On Tuesday, January 17, 2023 Don was welcomed home by his Lord and Savior. Don was born June 10, 1933 near San Jose, California to Cecil and Zoe (Glassey) Reynolds. On June 9, 1956 in a tiny hillside chapel in Santa Cruz, he married the love of his life Carolejean (Caldwell) Reynolds. Together they raised three children, son Rob and two daughters Pam and Becky. In spite of a rocky start at the University of California, Don went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor's degree and earned a Master's degree from George Washington University.
Don proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring in 1978 as a Colonel and Deputy Inspector General for the Air Force Logistics Command. He and his family moved 26 times in his military career serving at bases around the country including Puerto Rico with foreign assignments in Panama, the Philippines and Korea. From flight crew member to maintenance manager to squadron line navigator and finally commander, he was a loyal serviceman and strong leader. In recognition for his 500 combat missions and dedicated service, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal.
Following his distinguished military career, Don went on to spend 17 years providing financial planning services to military families as an agent and manager with USPA & IRA, now First Command. His sincere desire to help young service men and women secure a financial future for their families helped him consistently rank in the top 10% of the company in performance. In 1981, his position transitioned, and he became a professional speaker for the company sharing his wit, wisdom and financial advice to audiences from 30 -200 across seven states. After a fulfilling second career he retired in 1995.
Don was an adventurous world traveler and curious explorer. He loved travel so much that he owned and operated a travel agency with daughter Pam for 5 years. His area of expertise quickly became cruises. Despite being in the Air Force, Don had a passion for the water. He sailed on ocean liners, small ships, narrowboat cruiser, and tall ships. He enjoyed it so much he attended a sea academy and earned a US Coast Guard license as a ships Master in the Merchant Marines. He studied French naval law in order to captain a boat on the Seine River in France with Carolejean and friends. Another special trip with friends, was boating the Oxford Canal in Central England on a narrowboat. Don and Carolejean enjoyed spending time at their lake house at Holiday Island on Table Rock Lake, Arkansas and many winters on the shores of Port Aransas, Texas. He enjoyed fishing, being close to the water, boating and sharing good times with family and friends. Many memories were made over the years at the annual "Family and Friends 4th of July" gatherings at Holiday Island.
Don put his faith in the Lord, trusted his life to Him and recognized that the many blessings he received were from God. He was an active member of St. Matthew United Methodist Church where he worshiped regularly, served on several committees throughout the years and delighted in the tradition of serving mobile meals on Christmas Day. For 20 years, he carved turkey for as many as 100 to enjoy on Christmas. In addition to his church family, Don found the love of many brothers and sisters in Christ through the community of Pioneer Country Walk to Emmaus ministry. His involvement deepened his faith, expanded his compassion for others, and allowed him to respond to Jesus' call of making disciples.
Don had a genuine love of life and shared it with many. He was a caring father, grandpa, Papa and friend. He will be remembered for his authentic laughter, quick wit, countless stories, keen intelligence, strong convictions and passionate love for his God, country, family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil, and his mother, Zoe. He is survived by his wife Carolejean, his daughter Pamela Dimski and husband Robert of Midwest City, his son D. Robert Reynolds and wife, Lisa of Midwest City, and daughter Rebecca Eastham and husband Kyle of Stillwater, OK. He cherished his grandchildren Katelynn Henderson and husband Ryan, Mark Dimski, Joe Reynolds and wife Kaitlyn, and Julie Reynolds and fiancé Nicholas Norwood. He had the joy of loving two great-grandchildren Everett and Caroline. Though he did not have siblings, he shared a special bond and love with his cousin Sande Rivas and husband Ron of Tucson, Arizona.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 22, 2023 at Barnes Friederich Funeral Home in Midwest City. The family will be receiving guests from 1pm to 3pm. Services will be held Monday, January 23, 2023 at St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Midwest City at 2pm. Interment with military honors will take place following the service at Arlington Cemetery in Midwest City. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Matthew UMC for the Don Reynolds Memorial Fund dedicated to Christmas Mobile Meals or Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.