Harry Joe Reynolds

Harry Joe Reynolds, a lifelong resident of Southern Illinois, died Friday, December 19th after a short fight with an uncurable cancer. He died in the company of his loving family. Harry, the younger son of William and Carriebell Reynolds, was raised in Dupo. He served an enlistment with the Marine Corps, where he spent time overseas with an artillery unit and played for the Marine Corps' football team. After leaving the Corps, he attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where he walked on to the football team and played for one season. Harry spent 30 years with the Alton and Southern Railroad, where he worked as a switchman. Harry also worked as a laborer on many projects in the Saint Louis area, including the construction of the Jefferson Barracks Bridge. He was active in the United Transportation Union and the laborers union in Monroe County. Harry helped bring varsity football to Waterloo High School and coached the team in their first season. His true passion,however, was waterfowl hunting. Harry spent a lifetime hunting ducks and geese and conserving waterfowl habitat. He was a 40-year sponsor of Ducks Unlimited. In addition to his older brother, Bill, Harry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret, his sons Bret and H.J. and his daughter, Dawn. He was preceded in death by his youngest daughter, Sue. Harry donated his body to medical research, and will be remembered at a memorial service in Olive Branch in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund.