Thomas Gerald Reynolds

Aug. 31, 1925 - Mar. 11, 2012

Date of Service: Mar. 16, 2012

Thomas Gerald Reynolds

Burley – Thomas Gerald Reynolds passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, March 11, 2012, at the age of 86.

Dad was a kind, gentle, fun-loving, and God-fearing man. He was born on Aug. 31, 1925, to Walter Thomas and Pauline Regina (Hollihan) Reynolds in Independence, Kansas. He was the eldest son of five siblings. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines in 1943, serving in the South Pacific. He met and married the love of his life, Etta Mae James on Oct. 16, 1945, and were blessed to be together for 64 years.

They had six children, Doug (Darlene) Reynolds and George Reynolds all of Hazelton, Jerry Reynolds (deceased), Paulette (deceased) and her husband William DeNaughel of Rupert, Sandy Murphy (deceased), and Debi (James) Hondo of Burley. Additionally, they have 11 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren (with a granddaughter on her way); and four great-great-grandchildren.

Dad farmed in Minidoka before moving to Rupert where he worked for the Minidoka Irrigation District. He retired in 1987 from the Amalgamated Sugar Company.

Following retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling. They were active members of the Good Sams Club where they met and enjoyed many years of traveling with lifelong friends.

Dad loved riding horses, camping, hunting, fishing, and playing with his children and great-grandchildren. It seemed the older he was the more he loved and appreciated his grandchildren. During his retirement years he spent many hours re-landscaping his yard. The canal bank behind his home was one of his favorite projects. We had the prettiest canal in Rupert!

A vigil service with the recitation of the Holy Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 15, at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 802 F St., in Rupert with Deacon Paul Henscheid officiating.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, March 16, at the St. Nicholas Catholic Church with the Rev. Father Kenneth Hein as celebrant. Burial will follow at the Rupert Cemetery.

Friends and family may call from 6 until 7 p.m. Thursday and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Friday at the church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Rasmussen Funeral Home of Burley.