Ernest L. Reynolds

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(July 29, 1952 - Oct. 1, 2016)

Ernest L. Reynolds, 64, of Powell, died Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, at Spirit Mountain Hospice in Cody.

He was born July 29, 1952, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, to Dwayne (Rusty) Reynolds and Alma (Beadle). He graduated from Tioga High School and attended Wahpaton State School of Science. Ernie trained to go into the upholstery business, but after only a few months realized he would be penniless if he continued this path. Meticulous about detail, working on each project took far too long, keeping his profit non-existent.

Ernie married Grace Slehofer, and to this union son Ben Reynolds was born. Ernie drove truck for Suhr Transport for 13 years, and always enjoyed driving. To Ernie, driving was not just reaching the destination, it was the journey there…every town, each mountain, all landmarks and scenery.

In his younger years, Ernie was an avid fisherman and spent many hours perfecting his fly fishing techniques. He enjoyed camping, four-wheeling and hiking. Hiking the Montana and Wyoming mountains was a favorite pastime of his.

In August 1984, Ernie married Mary Erickson. He not only gained a wife, but also a 13-year-old daughter, Tracy Marie. They lived in Glendive, Montana, for several years.

After losing eyesight in one eye, Ernie attended Butte Technical Institute and trained to be a machinist. In 1989 the family moved to Powell, where Ernie ran a computer lathe for Weatherford for 21 years. He retired for a period of time and then landed his dream job, which was driving electrical panels to oilfield substations, wind farms or communication centers for Dave Wyman at Specialty Electrics, Inc.

Ernie was diagnosed with cancer in 2014, and fought a superb battle, always with an excellent attitude. Although he was not able to attend granddaughters Kaycee and Logan’s activities, he looked forward to their visits and always talked about their achievements.

Ernie is survived by his wife of 32 years, Mary; children Ben Reynolds of Glendive, Montana and Tracy (James) Kern of Shepherd, Montana; brother Robert D. (Darlene) Reynolds of Williston, North Dakota; nephews Cole (Tonya) Reynolds, Boone Reynolds and niece Lonnie (Mike) Iverson, all of Williston; aunt Ruby Menton, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; former wife and life-long friend Grace Koffler-Evinrude; and many cousins and their extended families. All who loved Ernie take comfort from knowing he is in the loving arms of Christ.

Services will be Thursday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church in Powell.

The family requests memorials in Ernie’s name be sent to Hope Lutheran Church, 588 Cary Street, Powell, WY 82435.

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