Phillip Lewis Reynolds

Colonel Phillip Lewis Reynolds, 81, of New Bloomfield, died Tuesday, December 15, 2020, due to complications related to the coronavirus. Phil was born August 1, 1939 to Charles and Dovey Rey-nolds of Bowling Green, Missouri. He came to Fulton, Missouri in 1958 to attend Westminster College. There he became a proud member of Phi Gamma Delta, earned a degree in economics and met the love of his life. During his time at Westminster, Phil married the former Ruth Ann Kaiser of Fulton on September 5, 1959. Together they lived in housing on Priest Field. Phil served in the U.S. Air Force from 1961 until 1987. During his 26-year military career he earned numerous awards and commendations. His military honors included: the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters; Defense Meritorious Service Medal; Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation medal with one oak leaf cluster; Vietnam Service Medal with three campaign stars; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm device; among others. During his exemplary military career he held a variety of command and staff positions, most in the personnel field. These Air Force assignments of increasing responsibility took Phil and Ruthie to bases overseas, including England, Korea, and Germany and several bases in the U.S., one of which was the Military District of Washington and the Pentagon. He retired at Patrick Air Force Base in Florida. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Phil and Ruthie returned to Fulton where he became the Director of Alumni and Parent Relations at Westminster. He served in that role from 1988 until 1995. Under his leadership, the Westminster Alumni Council was re-invigorated and alumni affairs flourished. His efforts and accomplishments on behalf of the college were recognized when he was awarded the Student Government Award for alumni leadership in 1996. Based on his years of service to the nation and to the college, he was named Westminster Alumnus of the year in 2001. His impact and legacy are still evident today in Westminster alumni affairs. He was also a member of the Westminster TRUE BLUE Society, President's Club, and the Friends of America's National Churchill Museum. In 1993 Phil became a real estate appraiser, initially as a partner with Ned Digh and later as a Principal in the firm of Digh, Reynolds, Benton and Hough. Phil enjoyed the Rotary Club of Fulton, having served as president and having been honored as the first ever Raymond McCallister Rotarian of the Year in 2006. Ruthie was also an active member and they were very proud to belong to the organization. Phil and Ruthie retired to a rural home north of New Bloomfield. Sadly, Ruthie passed in January of this year, which led to the Colonels transition to the Missouri Veterans Home just up the road in Mexico, Mo. Phil is survived by his daughter, Susan Kathleen (Mrs. John "Bill" Geiger) of Spring Branch, Texas; five grandchildren and three great-grandsons. In addition to his parents and wife, Phil was pre-deceased by his son, James David Reynolds, who died in December of 2019. Plans are being made for a service at Debo Funeral Home in early 2021. Phil Reynolds was a kind and generous soul who supported many causes and organizations and who took pride in helping others. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to the newly created Phil and Ruthie Reynolds Westminster Scholarship Fund in care of Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court Street, Fulton, MO 65251. Online condolences may be made at www.debofuneralhome.com