Joseph Aaron Reynolds

Joseph Aaron Reynolds Jr., 90, died Monday, April 13, 2015, after a brief illness. He was born June 11, 1924, in Owensboro, to the late Joseph Aaron Reynolds Sr. and Hallie Bivens Reynolds. Joe also was preceded in death by his wife, Melvina Wheeler Reynolds, 5 brothers, and 3 sisters.

Joe grew up in Panther. His father operated several coal mines and Joseph delivered coal. Joe knew the meaning of hard work. He was a member of Local 150 Operating Engineers. Joe was part of the construction of The Mackinac Bridge opened in 1957. Joe was a 25-year member of Dunes Masonic Lodge 741 Portage IN. Joe operated an asphalt plant for Seneca Petroleum for more than 20 years in Valparaiso IN. Joseph retired in 1986 and moved to Lakeland, Florida. Joe married Ruth Henderson Wilkey on December 19, 2000 and they lived in Lakeland until moving back to Owensboro in 2011.

Survivors include his widow, Ruth Henderson Wilkey Reynolds; his five children, Judy Jurak (Bill), Donna McGaffick (Kenny), Joseph Aaron III (Sally), Wayne Reynolds, and Debra Boatfield (Wesley); 13 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; four stepsons, Russ Wilkey (Amy), D.L. Wilkey (Julie), Samuel Wilkey (Robyn) and Robert Wilkey; sister, Jacy Lowilda Tyre; brother, Kenneth Lee Reynolds, and many special family members.

Joseph was pleased to renew his membership at Brushy Fork Baptist Church, where services are 10 a.m. Saturday. Burial follows in Brushy Fork Cemetery. Visitation is after 9 a.m. Saturday at the church. Glenn
Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy may take form of donations to Brushy Fork Baptist Church.