Waydell Reynolds
A funeral to celebrate the life of Waydell Reynolds was held at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Donie on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2022. There was a visitation prior to the funeral at the church, beginning at 8:30 a.m. A graveside service at Oakes Cemetery followed the funeral.
Mr. Reynolds passed away on Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Care Center in Woodway.
Waydell was born on Nov. 24, 1939, to S. K. and Renna Reynolds near Thornton. He was born in the neighbor’s house on the hill across the road. He grew up at the homeplace with his parents, grandfather, Uncle D.T., and brother David . . . five men and his mother Renna. S.K. was a farmer and rancher and the boys grew up working the farm, milking the cow, hauling water from the spring, picking and unloading watermelons, and lots more. He graduated salutatorian in 1958 from Thornton High School. He played six-man football as a Thornton Tiger and with the help of his teammates, was known for his speed and touchdowns.
Waydell studied accounting at Sam Houston State Teachers College where he met his wife, Darlene Oakes, on a blind date set up by Bobby Huffman during their senior year. Upon graduation, he joined the National Guard and was stationed in California for boot camp. (It took years to get him to vacation in California.) Waydell and Darlene were married on Dec. 22, 1962, at the First Baptist Church in Donie. They lived in Houston for 14 years, had two children, Kelley and Stephen, and developed friendships that lasted throughout their lives. They moved to Woodway in 1976. Waydell attended the Thornton United Methodist Church and became a Baptist after getting married. Both he and Darlene have been members of the First Baptist Church of Woodway R eynolds since 1976. His faith in Christ was evident in his good works, his character, and his humble spirit.
Waydell worked as an accountant in Houston and then in Waco at Marathon Battery. Later, he took the position of Limestone County Auditor until retirement. He thoroughly enjoyed working with his office assistants, the county commissioners, and the sheriff, Dennis Wilson. This job included golf games every Friday afternoon.
He treasured his numerous beloved relatives in the Reynolds, Hamilton, Oakes, and Craig families and the many friendships made over the years during family travels, hunting, and his many sports activities.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Darlene; his two children, Kelley Norcross and Stephen Reynolds and wife Kelley; four grandchildren, Sarah Reynolds, Jackson Reynolds, Carolyn Reynolds, and Lily Norcross; his brother David Reynolds and wife Barbara and their children, Kris Janik and husband Tracy, Nikki Debetaz and husband Chris, and Michael Reynolds. Waydell was preceded in death by his parents and son-in-law, Kenneth Norcross. Thank you to the staff of St. Anthony’s Care Center and Providence Hospice for taking wonderful care of Waydell and our family for the last seven months and to the many friends and family that comforted him with their prayers and visits.
Those who wish to sign the memorial guestbook or to leave a message for the family may visit www.bowersfuneralhome. net .
Donald Casey, 81, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2022, in Fairfield. Memorial services were held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, at Calvary Baptist Church, 220 E. Main Street, Fairfield. Interment followed at Lake Chapel Cemetery. The memorial service was led by Tim Walton, Elder, Austin’s Colony Church of Christ, Bryan, with congregational singing led by Scott Faulk, College Park Church of Christ. Donald was born in Fairfield, on Feb. 15, 1941, to Tolbert and Velma (Hughes) Casey. Donald, the fifth of six children, was reared by his parents in a loving home. He had fond memories of spending time with his family, including his big brothers Billy and Bubba. There were family grocery shopping trips in Teague followed by Saturday night movies at the theater. Many hours were spent playing with his big sisters Lera and Barbara Nell and little sister Linda. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans was often his and Linda’s favorite game of choice. Child’s play didn’t last forever and to help the family and earn a little pocket money, Donald began mowing yards at the young age of 12 and pumped gas at Mac Baker’s Texaco station on Hwy 75 for several years beginning at 14 years old.
Donald graduated from Fairfield High School in 1959 and shortly after began working alongside his big brother Bubba in numerous businesses.
Donald was a resident of Freestone County for most of his life except for a few years. In 1960, he met Karen Sue Bray of Chilton. Donald spent many hours on Saturday afternoons washing various beautiful ’50-something Chevys before burning up the road between Fairfield and Chilton to spend time with his girl. Donald and Sue were married on Oct. 13, 1962. Following their marriage, Donald and his bride made their home for a time in Chilton while caring for the health needs of his father-in-law, all while learning the ins and outs of managing a small cattle ranch. This experience established a deep-rooted love for ranching that Donald and Sue would, once again, enjoy in their later years. Donald was a gifted