Donald Samuel McReynolds

Donald Samuel McReynolds passed away on October 26, 2014. He was born on March 11, 1918, on the family cattle ranch on North Mesa, 5 miles north of Montrose, Colorado. His parents were John Micajahia McReynolds and Nellie Rose Young. He graduated from Canyon City High School in 1937 and attended Denver University. While in Denver he met the love of his life, Lois June Shaefer. Don married Lois in 1942 and they had three daughters, Jean, Judy and Rosalee. Don and Lois raised their daughters in Louisiana, Japan, Greenland, and Kansas during his over 20 year career in the US Air Force. Lois passed away in 1998 and his daughter Rosalee died in 2003. Don joined the Army Air Corps in 1942 and went to North Africa as a navigator in a B-25 bomber. He flew 48 combat missions and returned to Louisiana in 1943 to train other aircrews. During the Korean War he served as a weatherman, forecasting weather for air strikes into North Korea. He received the Bronze Star and Air Medal among other decorations. Don retired from the Air Force in 1964 and returned to Denver. Don worked in a variety of businesses and eventually ran his own contracting business. He and Lois were long-time volunteers at the Denver Museum of Natural History. Don was an avid (if not proficient) golfer and fisherman. Don is survived by his daughters; Jean and Judy, three grandchildren; Suzi, Amber and Stephany; and five great-grandchildren; Madison, Cecilia, McKenzie, Owen and Wyatt. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 1270 Poplar St, Denver, on Thursday, October 30 at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church of Denver Outreach Program or the Dumb Friends League.