Melvin L. Reynolds

Described as someone who was steady, calm, and reserved, Melvin Reynolds was an extraordinary man to know and love. He was a hardworking man, yet he took the time to have fun, too, and he fully embraced each and every day he was given. Mel was a devoted family man who also treasured his friendships as he rarely met a stranger. Through the life he lived he taught others that happiness is not found in what we have, rather, it is in being with the ones we love that we are richly blessed. Mel loved a big family gathering since in his book there was nothing better than being surrounded by the generations who made him so proud. He will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Life during the 1920s was certainly exciting. Radios brought us in touch with the world around us like never before, and with the implementation of the assembly line cars were more affordable for the average American family. Broadway was at its peak while legends like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb made baseball Americas favorite pastime. It was during this exciting time that a young couple from Muskegon, Michigan, was filled with great anticipation for the arrival of their new baby. The big day finally arrived on November 1, 1926, when the baby boy they named Melvin drew his first breath. He was the only child born to his parents, Leo and Grace (Kuiper) Reynolds. Melvins father worked as a trucker while his mother was able to focus her attention at home as a homemaker. In many ways Melvin experienced a typical childhood growing up in the Jackson Hill area of Muskegon. With a father in the trucking industry he spent a lot of time hanging around the truck and playing with the big equipment in the yard. As a student Melvin attended local schools including Froebel Elementary. He could often be found hanging around with a couple of his closest friends, Dick Hall and Daley Morse. As a teen Mel loved riding around in his car and going out dancing. There were memorable family gatherings in celebration of Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas as well as for birthdays. Mels high school years found him at Muskegon High School, but only through the 11th grade. As a young man he was in the Army for a short time, serving in both California and Yokohama, Japan. Not to be forgotten during Mels years as a young man was his introduction to the young woman of his dreams. Her name was Lois Walsworth, and they met while cruising on Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. With a desire to share their lives, Mel and Lois were married on April 5, 1947. Together they were the proud parents of three children including Larry in 1947, Debra in 1951, and Scott in 1956. Mel and his wife raised their children in a small house on Marquette Avenue in Muskegon. As their family grew, they built a house next to a sand hill in Laketon Township in 1960. As the need for sand arose, the hill receded away from the house making room for a yard, garden, and pool eventually. To support his family, Mel initially drove a trailer hauling steel from Gary, Indiana, leaving on Monday and returning home on Friday evening. He decided to quit that job when he reportedly looked out the truck window on a snowy day only to see his trailer trying to pass him! Eager for change, Mel joined with his father in a partnership in which they owned and operated Muskegon Truckers through which they delivered sand, gravel, and aggregates to the Muskegon area. This was a great fit for Mel as he loved coming home to a hot meal every night. Eventually, his son Larry joined him in the business in 1968, and in 1973 his son Scott came on board as well. Mel never officially retired although he did slow down a bit. He also made sure the family was plowed out in the winter, too. The Reynolds family enjoyed being together. The family pool provided the backdrop for countless treasured family memories to be made, and sometimes they were out there all day. It was not uncommon for the men to pull their trucks up in front of the pool and jump to cool off. This was quite often followed by supper for all. Mel was a bit particular in his swimming requirements, however, as it needed to be 80 degrees or warmer in order for him to get in the water. Vacations were short so Mel could get back home for work, but they were able to travel to California, Arizona, and out East for whale watching. Later in life Deb and Ken took Mel and Lois out West in celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. When asked what the secret to a loving marriage was, he replied, "Let her do what she wants to do and give her some money, I guess". There were memorable family gatherings in celebration of Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas as well as for birthdays. In addition to spending time with his family, Mel enjoyed filling his leisure time in other ways as well. Every Saturday night found him having dinner with friends followed by one of his favorite things, playing cards. Some of his closest friends were Harry and Jane Pennington as well as Bill and Carolyn Bayne. As often as he could Mel enjoyed bowling and heading to Little River Casino for some gambling. When relaxing at home he loved sitting in his La-Z-Boy recliner reading the newspaper, often with his eyes closed! A hardworking, dedicated, and loving man who was completely devoted to his family, Melvin Reynolds was a genuine blessing to others. He always strived for harmony as he never liked arguments of any kind, and he was ever mindful of others, too. Mel was never one to worry about building wealth or gaining possessions, rather his focus was on living life to the fullest while holding his loved ones near. His memory will be forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.