Samuel Lee Reynolds

1938 - 2024

Samuel Lee Reynolds
Kane - Samuel L. Reynolds, 86, passed away on Thursday, February 29, 2024 at home. Sam was born on January 5, 1938 in Jersey County, Illinois and was the son of Charles E. and Mary Elizabeth Reynolds. He graduated in 1956 from Jersey Community High School. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves. After the Army, Sam took a job at McDonnell Aircraft where he only planned on staying a couple of months "until it was time to plant the spring crops", but instead worked there for 36 years, retiring in 1993. During his time at McDonnell Douglas Sam primarily worked as an inspector, advancing to Foreman, working on many fighter aircraft, his favorite being the F-15 Eagle, and included traveling to California during the initial production of the F/A 18 Hornet. Not one to sit still, after retiring from McDonnell-Douglas he worked as a bus driver for Jersey Community Unit District 100, retiring there after 10 years.
After retiring from being a school bus driver, he enjoyed being a seasonal farm worker. Additionally, Sam served on the Jersey Community Unit District 100 School Board for 12 years, including as serving as president. For many years he has been active in caring for and maintaining Keller Cemetery in rural Jersey County. A lifelong member of Bethel Baptist Church, Sam served his church and showed his deep faith in many ways, including as serving as trustee, deacon, and for many years as a Sunday school teacher. It is at Bethel that Sam met and married his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Lou. She proceeded him in death on November 30, 2023. Sam and Mary Lou were avid travelers and enjoyed driving coast to coast enjoying this beautiful country on many long adventures. Sam had a deep love for his horses, spending countless hours on horseback and tending to them. But always, family was the most important part of Sam's life. His wife, children, and grandchildren were all deeply loved and knew it. Sam was also a part of the large extended 'Smith' family, which included many aunts, uncles, and cousins who he cherished. He is survived by three children and their spouses, Paul and Lisa Reynolds of Carlinville, Marsha and Paul Boschert of Edwardsville, and Steven and Kim Reynolds of Litchfield. He adored his four grandchildren and their spouses, Samantha Boschert of Portland, Oregon, Gregory Reynolds of Edwardsville, Matthew and Alexis Reynolds of Columbia, Missouri, and Maggie Reynolds of Litchfield.
He is also survived by a Sister and Brother in-law, Jean and Roger Carroll of Jerseyville and Brother and Sister in-law, Roger and Peggy Reynolds of Jerseyville. He is proceeded in death by his parents. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until time of the funeral services at 11:00 on Thursday March 7, 2024 at Bethel Baptist Church in Jerseyville. Rev. Joel Lohr will officiate. He will be laid to rest in Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be given to the Bethel Baptist Church in Jerseyville, in care of Crawford Funeral Home, who has been entrusted with arrangements. Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.