William A. Reynolds

William Reynolds Obituary

Family and friends will miss the humor and blue eyes of William A. Reynolds, 80, who passed on, September 7, 2008 in Rancho Mirage, CA with his family at his side. A valiant effort battling leukemia ended a life full of cherished family time and treasured friendships. Bill was born on January 15, 1928 to Pearl and Verda Reynolds in Knob Noster, MO, on the family's farm. He grew up in Kansas City and attended each of the cities' four high schools before earning a business degree from Central Missouri State. During those years, his love of music lead him to be a member of a traveling act impersonating the Andrew Sisters. Bill served in the Navy and was a part of the branches' boxing team. After completing his military service he enjoyed a successful 37 year career in California with Pacific Bell Yellow Pages as a salesman and as a directory sales manager – a job he loved for the life long friendships it provided. During those years also was involved with the local chapter of the Lion's Club. Retirement allowed he and his loving wife of 24 years, Mary, to make a permanent move to Palm Desert, CA, where they continued to enjoy their lives and grow their circle of friends as active members of Santa Rosa Country Club. Bill took pleasure in a lifetime of four legged companions which rarely left his side, bridge and poker, and RV travel. He was an avid reader and fan of author Louis L'Amour. Bill is remembered by wife Mary of Palm Desert, CA; daughter Stephany (Greg, Mackenzie-10, Madison-9) of Palm Desert; sons, Fred Reynolds (Annie Chiu) of San Francisco, CA; and Scott Reynolds (Karen, Kaeleigh-15, Scott-12) of Windsor, CA. Additional surviving family members include step- sons, Bill Burns (Julie, Brandy-26, Jamie–22, Molly-21) of Oceanside, CA; David Burns (Stephanie, Megan-10) of El Segundo, CA; and Greg Burns (Kerry, Christina-15). He was preceded in death by his children's mother, Jane Reynolds, and grandson Nicholas Burns. Family and friends will gather for a celebration of Bill's life with a graveside service at Knob Noster Cemetery, September 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. arranged by Williams Funeral Chapel of Warrensburg, MO. A gathering will be held immediately following in Knob Noster at the family farm. Family is planning an additional gathering in October with details forth coming. The family asks that remembrances of Bill be in the form of donations of blood and platelets, or financial gift at the donor's local blood bank.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Desert Sun on Sep. 10, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for William Reynolds

6 Entries

Stef Cosgrove

September 7, 2009

Dear 'Ol Dad,
It's been a whole year since we've been without you, but you know your presence lives on in the laughter our stories of you bring us, in the emotions we feel knowing how much you wanted to stay longer. We trust that our visions of you enjoying every single experience you want to now are true, and want you to know we feel you with us always. Thank you... say hi to Mom...and remember, swing easy!
We love you.

Kay (Brown) Manchester

September 13, 2008

My heart is heavy with the news of Bill's death. His winning personality, charm, and loyalty to his family and friends was incomparable. He was a good friend to me and my daughters over the years. I know he loved all of you unconditionally. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Deepest Sympathy,

Camryn Petoskey

September 10, 2008

Dear Mackenzie and Maddie,

I am sorry about the loss of your grandfather. I know he was special to you. I am thinking about your whole family and saying lots of prayers for you!

Love,
Camryn Petoskey

tracey westhoff

September 10, 2008

My heart is saddened by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He was a champ.

Tracey (Brown) Westhoff

Terry (Brown) Chapin

September 10, 2008

I was deeply moved and saddened to hear of the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather and friend. My memories of Bill and your entire family run strong and deep having played an integral part of my sister and my lives as young girls. Your father was a great source of comfort and strength to me when my dad, Claude, died, which could not have been easy knowing that his heart was broken as well. I hope that a measure of comfort comes from the memories of the love you have for him and the immense love and pride he had for all of you. He was a charismatic, clever, wonderful man whose presence will live on in all of you.

Terri

September 9, 2008

I was one of the blessed nurses to care for Bill. His blue eyes, his fight for life and his warm heart touched me and I will forever remember him. As I move through life Bill will forever be in my heart. I am honored to have been a small part of Bill's last days and to have seen how much he loved his family. What a loss you must feel, and what a joy he must have been in your life. I hope through the grief and pain you will remember how hard he fought to stay with the ones he loved. What a blessing he was!!!

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