Irvin Sheldon Reynolds

Irvin Reynolds

Ava, Missouri

Irvin Sheldon Reynolds, 87 years, 7 months, 13 days old, passed away on July 14, 2026, at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center in Ava, Missouri.

On December 1, 1938, Irvin was born in Paola, Kansas, to Earnest Sheldon and Zada May (Wilson) Reynolds. He grew up in the Paola area and graduated from Overland Park High School in Kansas. His mother passed away when he was only two years old and his father remarried Edna Mae and she became his mother.

Irvin was a veteran having served in the United States Army. He served in active duty from 1958 to 1961 and then went into the Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1964.

On September 22, 1963, Irvin and Bessie Mary Smith were united in marriage in Oak Grove, Missouri. They got to celebrate their 62nd wedding anniversary.

Irvin was a hard worker and didn’t know when to quit. He worked in production and trained maintenance with a cardboard manufacturing company in Kansas City, Kansas. He worked there for over 25 years. After retirement, he and Bessie moved to Douglas County, Missouri. Irvin and Bessie immediately became active in the community. He was a member of the Masons, Shriners, Scottish Rite, York Rite Association, and the Douglas County Veterans Memorial Association. Irvin was instrumental in helping bring the Vietnam Wall to Ava. It was very important to Irvin to help educate the Ava community and the area.

Irvin was honored to get to go with the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. This was a highlight of his life. He was so proud to get to go.

In addition Irvin enjoyed horseback riding and fishing. He also loved tinkering on anything or everything. Irvin was a Christian and was raised in the Methodist faith.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Irvin is survived by his wife Bessie; his two brothers, James Reynolds and Jay Reynolds; nieces, nephews, and extended family and numerous friends.

Memorial graveside services with full military honors will be Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 South Southwood, Springfield, Missouri, 65804. Officiating will be Pastor Larry Morrison and the U.S. Army. Services and cremation are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home in Ava, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, 4400 Clayton Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. (www.shrinerschildrens.org).