Joseph Clifford Reynolds

OREGON - Joseph Clifford ""Cliff"" Reynolds, age 89, died on Tuesday, September 2, 2008, at Oregon Manor Nursing Home after a lengthy illness. He was born on Feb. 8, 1919, in Cairo, MO, to Myrtle and Harvey Reynolds. In 1941 he married Susan Elizabeth Smith, the love of his life, who preceded him in death in 2006, after 65 wonderful years of marriage. They had daughters Nancy and Joey, and sponsored an AFS student, Inge Gans from Austria, whom they considered daughter number 3. Cliff received his bachelor's and master's degrees in chemical engineering at University of Missouri, then served in the U.S. Army Air Corps as a flight engineer with rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He then resumed studies at the U. of Delaware, but left to take an engineering job at A.E. Staley's in Decatur, IL, where he worked until retirement. During his time working at Staley's, he opened corn and soybean manufacturing plants in San Pedro Sula, Honduras and Chacabuco, Argentina. He and Susan lived in Chacabuco for 3 years and made many friends. He was a very active member of the United Church of Christ in Decatur and the Audubon Society. He and Susan spent many happy hours traveling to jazz festivals around the country, and he was privileged to run the Central Illinois Jazz Festival in Decatur for several years, which he greatly enjoyed. He is survived by his daughter Nancy Reynolds (Logan Hurst), Jo Reynolds (Stanley Solheim), granddaughters Heather Solheim (Brad Zwettler) and Dawn Solheim (partner Mert Wall), his sister-in-law Elizabeth Reynolds, and many nieces, nephews, and their children. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Leonard Rae and sister-in-law, Oreta; and brother, George Allen ""Bud"". A graveside service will be held at the Town of Dunn Burying Ground on Co. Hwy B Saturday, September 6, 2008, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a luncheon. The family would like to thank all the caregivers and staffs of Oregon Manor and HospiceCare Inc. for all their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, WI or HospiceCare, Inc.