Reynolds, Joseph L. Delton formerly of Vicksburg Age 86, passed away suddenly on May 15, 2020. Joe was born in Kalamazoo on October 3, 1933, the son of the late William and Lila (White) Reynolds. He was a longtime resident of Vicksburg, before moving to his dream home at Shelp Lake in Delton. Joe served in the National Guard with the 126th Infantry as a Combat Engineer and Sharpshooter from 1955-1958. He retired from the Upjohn Company and then worked for the Kalamazoo Greater Auto Auction. He also ran his own janitor business. Joe was a lifelong athlete. He earned seven varsity letters from Portage High School in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He also held the school record for running the mile. Joe graduated from Portage High School in 1951. He managed Vicksburg Merchants Men's Fastpitch Softball Team and the Vicksburg Fastpitch Tournament for many years and was known as "Coach Grandpa" within Vicksburg Little League. Joe played on various area men's softball teams well into his 80s and won back to back Gold Medals in the Senior Softball USA Tournament of Champions in 2016 and 2017. He was also named to numerous "All Tournament" teams in senior softball. He enjoyed camping, fishing, kayaking, playing cards and cribbage, attending his grandkid's sporting events and dance recitals, being silly, and propagating flowers that he snuck out of other people's yards. Joe also enjoyed Orioles and Hummingbirds and loved spending time "up north" with his family and at his winter home in Naples, Florida. Joe never missed an opportunity to make new friends or to make a child laugh. On June 27, 1953, he married the love of his life, Dorothy J. (Marble) Reynolds, and danced with her for 60 years. She preceded him in death on July 3, 2013. He was also preceded in death by his son, Timm E. Reynolds; brothers, Lawrence, William and John and sisters, Lila, Larene and Lyleen. Joe is survived by his children, Joseph (Joy Herson) Reynolds, Todd (Jody Sukup) Reynolds, Diana (Craig) O'Dell, Jennie (Rick) Holmes and Sean Reynolds; 11 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his dear friend and companion, Marlene Warren and numerous nieces and nephews. Due to COVID-19, a private family service and interment will take place at Prairie Home Cemetery in Richland. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southwest Michigan Miracle League (Attn: J. Hoff), 3205 Woodhams, Portage, MI 49002, to help every kid have the chance to play baseball. Family and friends may share a condolence message online at www.joldersma-klein.com.
Published in Kalamazoo Gazette from May 18 to May 19, 2020.