Edward Arthur Reynolds Jr.: 1931 – 2025
Edward “Eddie” A. Reynolds, Jr., was born on Saturday, June 6, 1931, in New Haven, Connecticut to Edward A. Reynolds and Virginia F. Clayton. He passed away peacefully Monday, March 3, 2025 at his family residence in Glenrock, Wyoming at the age of 93. His father taught mathematics at Yale University, and his mother was one of the first and few women meteorologists (and plane spotters during World War II) on the east coast.
Ed learned how to swim in the New Haven Harbor off the North Atlantic Ocean, and would also try to race the large ships in a rowboat, when he wasn’t fishing. He was also a very active member of the Boy Scouts.
At the start of World War II, Eddie moved to Douglas, Wyoming, to live with his maternal grandparents. He attended school there, and worked on local ranches during the summers. At the end of his sophomore year in Douglas, Eddie would leave with his very good friend, Jack D. Sullivan, to attend the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture (UNSA) in Curtis, Nebraska. Here, he would letter two years in basketball.
After graduating from UNSA in 1949, Ed served in the United States Navy, spending time aboard his favorite carrier, the U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CV31) and the U.S.S. Boxer (CV21). He cherished the memories of his service and remained a proud plank holder. Ed then attended the University of Wyoming and graduated with a B.S. in Range Management.
On August 2, 1958, he married Barbara Joan Conaway in Douglas. Two boys, Michael Edward and Randolph Clayton, completed their family until their retirement, when they were quite involved in Lacey and Heather’s upbringing. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in summer 2024.
In 1963, Ed relocated his family to Glenrock, Wyoming where he began working at the Dave Johnston Power Plant after some time as a road foreman for Knisely-Moore Construction. He eventually became a Control Operator, and later transitioned to the Glenrock Coal Company (where he was affectionately referred to as the “Mother Hen”), retiring in the early 1990s as a shovel operator.
Ed was involved in numerous company sporting teams. He enjoyed golfing, softball, bowling, motorsports, and especially hunting and fishing. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
He grew up with a very stern grandfather, and could be very much the same, but he also had a kind heart and would do anything to assist anyone. Ed, as well as possessing a keen sense of humor, had an uncanny ability to fix anything that needed fixing (a MacGyver of his time). He would spend as much available time as he had at the Sullivan Ranch with his friend Jack and the Sullivan family, helping out, swapping stories and relaxing.\
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; aunts, Edith (Vern) Knisely and Mary (Albert) Clough; uncles, John Clayton (who died in World War II), Russell (Allene) Rohlff, and Emil (Bernice) Rohlff;, and brother-in-law, Dr. Peter Bondanella.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Mike (Nickie) and Randy; grandchildren: Lacey, Heather, Nikolas, Anthony, Averi (Stryker Davies), Timi (Dylan Ellingson), and Shai; great grandchildren: Dax and Macklyn; sisters-in- law, Dr. Julia Bondanella and Susan (Leon) Frantzick;, and brother-in-law, Drs. Ron (Joan) Conaway.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the Glenrock Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Glenrock Library Meeting Hall, where friends and family may gather to celebrate Eddie’s life.
Memorials can be made to the Jesse Martin American Legion Post #9, P.O. Box 913, Glenrock, Wyoming 82637, Samuel Mares American Legion Post #8, P.O. Box 1, Douglas, Wyoming 82633, or a veteran’s organization of your choice in honor of Ed.
The Gorman Funeral Homes-Converse Chapel of Douglas, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.