Hayden Earl Reynolds

Hayden Earl Reynolds, age 96, died in Arlington, Texas on September 5, 2022.  Graveside services are set for September 20, 2022 at 2:15 pm at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Earl was born on March 29, 1926 in Grayson County, Texas to Rufus Robert and Carrie Ford Reynolds, who reared him and his nine siblings during the Great Depression.  Upon graduating from Bells High School, Earl proudly served his country in the 4^th Marine Division of the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific Theater during World War II.  Following his Marine Corps service, Earl returned home to continue his service as a DPS trooper posted to Amarillo, where he met and married Virginia Sachse.  They were married for 65 years until her death in 2015.

In 1957, Earl began a 37-year career as a steel salesman for CF&I Steel.  He retired briefly in 1994 before returning to work with his former customers and friends at Lake Steel until 2011.  In 2014, Earl and Virginia moved to Arlington, Texas to be near family.

Earl’s life was marked by his honorable service to others, exemplified by his work as a Mason, a Gideon, and most importantly, by his service to Christ through his church.  He was a member of First Baptist Church of Amarillo from 1951 until his death.  His humble ministry included service as a deacon, Sunday School teacher, committee chairman, and witness to all he met as he traveled the Southwest.

Earl loved bird hunting in the Panhandle, fly fishing in Colorado, golf, and learning.  He was well-read and passed a love of books and learning down to his daughter, his grandson, and his great-grandchildren.  He was gregarious and genuinely interested in everyone he met, never forgetting a name, a face, or a prayer need.  Earl was known for his gentle heart and gracious spirit by family, friends, and acquaintances.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Susan and John McKissack of Arlington, his grandson and granddaughter-in-law, Michael and Margaret Elizabeth McKissack of Dallas, three great-grandchildren, and a host of much-loved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are welcome at First Baptist Church of Amarillo, BEB Global, or Honor Flight DFW.