Stephen Reynolds

Stephen Theodore Reynolds, 62, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Decatur, Illinois, passed away September 27, 2021 surrounded by his sisters and cousin.Memorial service will be 11:30 AM, Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Memorial Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Wednesday, October 6, at the funeral home. Burial will be in Harristown Cemetery with military rites by the US Army and Macon County Honor Guard.Stephen was born August 29, 1959, as the oldest of 4 children and only son to Helen (Rollinger) and Larry Reynolds. Stephen knew he wanted to fight for his country and he enlisted with the United States Army shortly after the Vietnam War had ended, at 17 years of age, with his parents’ written permission to join. He served 3 years for his country and was a very proud Army Veteran, often wearing his Army memorabilia. Stephen was a regular at Bob Evans in Decatur, Il and loved eating breakfast, reading the paper, scratching off lottery tickets, and visiting with the staff daily. He had his own item on the menu, the “Steve’s Omelette”, and the staff would immediately begin preparing his order when he walked in the door. He loved to tip the cook $1 and knew everyone by name. Whether you hardly knew him or were a regular yourself, you were always welcome to join him at his table. Stephen worked for 27 years at Prairie Farms Ice Cream Plant and retired from there in 2018. He was proud to have the “Coolest job in Decatur” working in the freezer, which was a title given to him by a WAND interview one summer. Stephen grew up Catholic and was a strong Christian. Stephen was a practicing Messianic Jew. He loved to watch services on television and loved learning about Israel. He dreamed to visit there one day. Stephen was never married and did not have children, but had a large, loving family that surrounded him and fought for him through his final day. As any veteran, he was a fighter and fought a long hard battle and knew he was either going to get better or get PERFECT. He is PERFECT now. Stephen is survived by his sisters Deborah Turney, Lori (Joel) Leihser, and Cathy (Brian) Elliott; Nephews and Nieces: Kenneth (Mandi) Leihser, Heather Saffer, Brandi (Chad) Eaton, Traver (Amanda) Turney, Neal Leihser, Jennifer (Jarrod) Foster, Toby Turney; Great Nephews and Nieces: Selena Leihser, John Leihser, Evan McIntyre, Aiden McIntyre, Greyson Foster, Kaylie Eaton, Hendrix Foster, and Leah Turney; and Great-great nephew: Luka Ludwick, Aunt Rose Crane, Cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Larry Reynolds and Helen Pullins, Aunts: Sarah Burroughs, Dot Burnett, and Helen Parish. Uncles: Bobby Rollinger, Stan Reynolds, Leonard Reynolds, Ed Reynolds, and Ray Reynolds. Nephew Kyle Turney, and several cousins. Stephen would like to leave you with: “Good luck. Hang in there. I wish you all the Best! Shalom.”