William J. Reynolds

William “Bill” Joseph Reynolds, known to most as dad, grandpa and the limo man, passed away peacefully on January 25th, 2026, at the age of 84 years old. He was born on June 27th, 1941 at Mercy Hospital in Independence, KS to Gladys and Joseph Reynolds. William graduated from Independence High school in 1960. During that time, he played baseball, was a Kayo Boy and worked after school at a Sinclair Station. After graduation he married Sharon Smart on June 24th, 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Cherryvale and were married 59 years making their home in Independence Kansas.

William displayed his exceptional dedication to work ethic over the years working at Starcraft, Cobalt, farming and maintaining the catholic grounds for Father Wilson and owning his own Sinclair Station. He worked at the Cement Plant from where he retired and then started his own transportation company, Heartland Coach.

Outside of work, he was an active member of the Independence Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Award, Officer of the year and served as president for one term. In the summers, you could find him at the Lions Den “The Shack” making snow cones, cotton candy and greeting all of the park visitors. William never met a stranger; he would speak to everyone as if he knew them for years and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone that needed it. Although he was a dedicated worker, he always found time to make it to every ball game that involved his children or grandchildren. He also enjoyed going to car shows, going out to eat and spending time with his family.

He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Joseph Reynolds and wife Sharon Reynolds.

William’s memory will carry on through his family, sons Darren Reynolds, Brent (Vicki) Reynolds, his brothers Jack (Judy) Reynolds, Richard (Kathleen) Reynolds and sister Loretta (David Shatney) McDiarmid. Grandchildren Hailey (Justin) Kraft, Lauren Reynolds, Sara (Seth) Schrag and Andrew Reynolds. Great Grandchildren “The boys” Zachary, Greyson and Rhett Kraft, Hayden Carroll and Finn Castleberry, Addie, Amery, Elliot, Amelia, Aliza, Abigal and Phinehas Schrag, Axel Reynolds and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Thursday, February 5th, 2026, from 5 to 7PM at Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. A service celebrating William's life will take place Friday, February 6th, 2026, at 10AM at Potts Chapel in Independence, Kansas. A graveside service will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Independence Lions Club or to AWOL Humane Society, in memory of William and his love for animals.