Obituary of Melvin R. Reynolds

Melvin Richard Reynolds, 86, of Nixa, MO, formerly of Jamestown, NY and Columbus, IN passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Jacob's Ladder, following an extended stay in Cox South Hospital, both of Springfield, MO. He was born April 15, 1937, in Lander, Pennsylvania, the son of the late Cecil and Edith (Carlson) Reynolds. As a young man, Melvin grew up on a farm and attended Eisenhower schools before he joined the US Army. He was stationed in Germany for four years and then came back to complete his education and receive a diploma from Bryant and Stratton College, Buffalo. In 1958, he then married his beloved wife of 50 years, Shirley, whom he met at Arthur Murray's Dance Studio. They were known by many to take over the dance floor with their high-level skill of dancing. Being a veteran, they attended many American Legions throughout the years where he sang country karaoke and danced. Melvin served as an officer at the Moose Lodge for a few years in the 1970s. He then went back and completed his 20 years in the military during the 1980's and 1990's as a SGT in the National Guard. He and his family attended Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jamestown, where he served as an usher and then later at First Lutheran Church both in Jamestown and Columbus, IN. He was employed for 19 years by The Post Journal as a business manager. The company hosted many golf tournaments throughout the years, wherein he had won a few first place trophies. He then worked as a security guard and a bus driver before leaving the Jamestown area. Prior to his retirement in 2003, he worked for the Department of Transportation in Columbus, IN for 10 years. Melvin and Shirley enjoyed traveling and spending time with their family and grandchildren throughout the summers and holidays until her passing in 2008. Melvin returned to Jamestown and volunteered at WCA Hospital until he suffered a stroke and then ultimately lived with his daughter Sandra Dominick and Grandson Joseph Dominick for the next 9 years. They had just moved to Nixa, MO to be closer to his son Kenneth Reynolds of Ozark, MO when his health declined and he ended up at Cox South Hospital and then under Hospice Care at Jacob's Ladder. Melvin is survived by his two children, Kenneth Reynolds and daughter Sandra Dominick; grandchildren, Joseph Dominick of Nixa, Christopher Reynolds of Jamestown, and Steven Reynolds of Maine; his great grandchildren, including Maddison Reynolds and several nieces and nephews. Besides his grandparents, Martin and Anna Carlson; his parents, Cecil and Edith; he was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Shirley, whom he married in 1958, and who died in 2008; and 2 brothers Maurice I. (Phyllis) Reynolds and Ernest Reynolds; a sister Ellen E. (Ernest) Skinner and a nephew Robert Skinner, Sr. No funeral service or visitation will be observed. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Jacob's Ladder, 2343 N. Delaware Avenue, Springfield, MO, 65803. You may leave words of condolence at www.lindfuneralhome.com.