Roy Bert McReynolds

Roy Bert McReynolds, 89, of Nevada, Mo., passed away Monday, July 14, 2014, at Christian Healthcare and Rehab, in Nevada. He was born Dec. 7, 1924, in Walker, to Roy and Mary (Hooper) McReynolds. On May 22, 1948, he was united in marriage to Eula Marie Compton and together the couple became parents to two sons. Eula passed away earlier this year on Jan. 2, 2014.

Roy grew up in the Walker area and graduated with the Class of 1942. He served our country during World War II in the Merchant Marines. After his military duty he returned to Vernon County, married Eula and the couple made Nevada their home. He began employment with the Missouri Pacific Railroad in 1947, and continued working there even through the 1982 merger when it became Union Pacific Railroad. He retired in 1986 having been transferred in 1956 to Atchison, Kan., then to Roeland Park in 1967, before moving back to Nevada at retirement time.

In what spare time he had, he always enjoyed gardening -- especially growing tomatoes. It was while living in Roeland Park that he became known as "the Mayor of Juniper Street" -- a neighborhood where he became "Grandpa" to the children. He enjoyed watching the area children grow and saw many become adults that still considered him family. He was someone that could fix anything and build anything with great care and intent for it to be done right. After moving back to Nevada he had also many friends here that enabled him to remain in his home as long as possible -- he considered them "family" also.

Survivors include his son, Steven McReynolds and his wife, Nancy, of Omaha, Neb.; his sister, Inez Bobbett, of Colorado Springs, Colo.; grandchildren, Alan McReynolds and his wife, Stephanie, of Syracuse, N.Y., Maggie McReynolds of Omaha, and Jack McReynolds, also of Omaha; and one great-granddaughter, Fiona Ophelia McReynolds, of Syracuse. Aside from his wife, Roy was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Walter McReynolds and Alice King; and his infant son, Gary.

A visitation with memories for family and friends is scheduled from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, July 19, at Ferry Funeral Home. Private burial will follow in Newton Burial Park in Nevada.

Contributions may be made in Roy's memory to the charity of their choice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.