Thomas Reynolds

Thomas W. “Tom” Reynolds, 78 of Berne was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family and close friends when he passed away at his residence Tuesday, June 2, 2020, after an extended illness. He was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, brother-in-law and uncle. He was born August 22, 1941, to Woodrow “Woody” and Martha “Mart” Elizabeth (Balsiger) Reynolds. He was married June 29, 1963, at First Missionary Church in Berne to his high school sweetheart, Jean Sharon Grove. They were the first couple to be united in marriage in the new First Missionary Church.
He proudly served his country for four years as a member of the Army National Guard with his brother Bill W. Reynolds by his side. He is also a member of the American Legion Post #468 in Berne and the VFW Post #6751 in Geneva. He was a 1959 graduate of Berne French High School. He then went on to become the owner and operator of the family business, Berne Auto Supply Inc., that was in business for over 50 years.
He was passionate about cars, especially American classic cars. He was gifted with the ability to restore a car to its once and former glory. He restored an original 1953 Corvette that had been in the family for years.  He restored a candy apple red 1963 Corvette Stingray split-window coupe. He restored a 1954 Chevy and a 1932 Hot Rod that he called the Purple People Eater.
His love of cars extended into race cars as well. His devotion and enjoyment of NASCAR ran deep. He was an avid fan of his favorite driver, Dale Earnhardt Sr. This was a hobby he was able to enjoy right up to his passing.
He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jean Reynolds; daughter, Lori Ann Reynolds of Berne; sister-in-law, Sally Reynolds of Berne; and four nephews, Chad (Sue Ann) Reynolds of Berne; Shane (Rhonda) Reynolds of Decatur; Dr. Trent Reynolds of Bellefontaine Ohio; and Dr. Jade (Julie) Reynolds of Decatur and their families.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Bill W. Reynolds.
A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the family.
Arrangements provided by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel in Berne. To sign the online guestbook, visit www.zwickjahn.com.