Jack Stephen Reynolds went home to join his Savior on April 10, 2024, after a long illness. Born June 3, 1943, in Springfield, to Charles Stanley and Helen Wood Reynolds, Jack spent most of his life in the southwest Missouri area, graduating from Central High School in 1961. He completed his military service in the Army before starting his career as an air traffic controller at the FAA Center in Olathe, Kansas, later serving as an ATC instructor at the FAA Training Academy. In 1986, he transferred to the Springfield, Missouri Control Tower where he remained until his retirement in 1997.
Never one to slow down for very long, after retiring from one career, Jack moved on to start a new one. As Chief Pilot for the Paul Mueller Company, he flew employees and clients around the U.S., Canada, and Mexico in King Air 110 Papa Mike, his pride and joy.
His first job as a teenager was at the Springfield Downtown Airport, working in exchange for flying lessons as soon as he was old enough to qualify. After earning his Private Pilot Certificate, he achieved his ratings for Instrument Flight, Multi-Engine Aircraft, Land & Sea Aircraft, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, CFII, CFI MEI, and was a licensed Airframe & Power Plant Mechanic.
Jack is survived by his daughter, Jacqueline and husband Shannon Bills of Willard, and son Marcus and wife Ruby of Aurora. He is also survived by grandchildren: Garrett Bills and wife Katelyn, Cierra Lawson and husband Mitch, Evy Carpenter and husband Drake, Sarah Clevenger and husband Jeff; five great grandchildren: Daxton Bills, Valor Carpenter, Cohen Carpenter, Camden Burnett and Rynlee Clevenger; brothers, John Reynolds of Rogersville and Jerry Reynolds of Springfield; sister, Susan Hankins of Louisville, Kentucky; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Sally Rice.
A private burial will be held at White Chapel Memorial Gardens under the direction and care of Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield. There will be a Celebration of Life at 3:00 p.m. on June 2, 2024, at the Springfield Downtown Airport, located at 2546 E. Division St. in Springfield. All friends and family are invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers and to honor Jack’s legacy, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Ozarks Technical Community College Foundation to support students pursuing a career in aviation. Donations should be designated in memory of Jack Reynolds and can be made by clicking on the link below or by mailing a check to the OTC Foundation, 1001 E Chestnut Expressway, Springfield, Missouri 65802.