Kevin Dean Reynolds of Batesville passed away on the evening of January 11th at the age of 63, surrounded by his loving family at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. Born on December 29, 1953, he is the son of Buford and Rose Reynolds, and the eldest of three brothers.
Kevin was a lovable, quirky man who brightened every room he entered. His love of laughter was only rivaled by his love of family and sports. Kevin was a constant supporter of his two children and four grandchildren, especially when it came to sports and hobbies, and his positivity and encouragement often extended to other Batesville community youth as well. On the field, as in everyday life, Kevin was always on the sidelines cheering people on.
A self-made man and small business owner, Kevin’s work ethic and pride in a job well done was inspirational. He championed the virtues of hard work, integrity and sacrifice. Kevin lived by a simple code: a man provides for his family. This didn’t only mean financially, but rather living a life of service dedicated to those who relied upon him for all manner of support. Kevin always put the needs of others above his own. He always believed in the good of others, even if they couldn’t see it for themselves. He believed in second chances, always reaching out with a helping hand, and never wanted anything in return. A firm believer in organ donation, Kevin is even now helping others to live a better life, and he would have been comforted in this knowledge.
Aside from family, some of his interests included fishing and an encyclopedic knowledge of boxing, college football and the original Star Trek TV series. Kevin greatly admired the determination and perseverance of athletes, and many of the life lessons he passed on to others were framed in this manner.
Kevin didn’t look at the world in the same way as most people. He never had an ego or cared about ostentation. He was a complex man with deceivingly simple tastes, and there was always a method to his madness. The world is a far less colorful and interesting place without him.
He is survived by his wife Michele Reynolds, his son Jason Shamblin and wife Lindsay of Washington, DC, his daughter Shalan Krekeler and husband Jeff of New Point, his brother Kirk Reynolds, wife Beverly and their children Jordan and Sidney of Dayton, Ohio, his brother Barry Reynolds, wife Sheryl and their children Brooke and Taylor of Carmel, Indiana, and his four grandchildren Ashlan, Damien, Alexander and Payton. He is preceded in death by his parents. An exceptional husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend, he will be sorely missed.
Kevin’s wishes were to be cremated and a benefit dinner honoring Kevin is currently being planned with details to be announced in the Herald Tribune and WRBI in the near future. All proceeds of this dinner will go to the various Batesville youth sports organizations to assist with equipment, uniforms, and more.
Donations may also be made to a charity of your choice in Kevin’s name.
Meyers Funeral Home is serving the family. Online condolences at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com