Roger Reynolds Obituary

Pawnee - Roger Philip Reynolds, 91, of Pawnee, Illinois, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. Phil was born July 23, 1934, in Pawnee, the son of Kenneth and Lucille J. Hancock Reynolds. He married Lily May Hamblin on May 10, 1957, at Pawnee Assembly of God Church. They enjoyed 68 years of married life together. He was preceded in death by his parents; infant sister, Carol Jean Reynolds; brother, Don Reynolds; and his wife, Lily Reynolds.

Phil enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1953 and received an honorable discharge in 1961. He was stationed in San Diego, California. Phil played the trumpet at Pawnee High School and at Pawnee Assembly of God Church. This talent afforded him the opportunity to be chosen to serve in the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. One of the highlights for Phil was marching in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. During this time, he served as a sergeant in the area of field music. Phil was also sent for a time to the base in San Francisco to serve on the ship USS Bon Homme Richard in security. While on the ship, he would often be called upon to play "Taps" for fallen soldiers.

In 1967, Phil was one of the first men hired at Commonwealth Edison in Kincaid and continued there until his retirement in 1992. After retirement, he and his wife, Lily, joined the MAPS RV volunteer ministry of the Assemblies of God. Phil helped build many Assemblies of God churches and ministries across the United States. He and his wife were involved in over 40 projects spanning 26 years of service. They also made many trips to South Africa to serve alongside their daughter in ministry. Phil loved serving God in all facets of his life. He was a member of Pawnee Assembly of God Church and Calvary Church in Springfield. During his lifetime, Phil served as Sunday School superintendent, Royal Ranger commander, bus ministry and church orchestra. Phil loved singing with his family wherever he was invited to do so. He and his wife, Lily, used their gifts and talents of music to minister throughout their lives.

Phil is survived by two daughters, Janis (husband, Rev. David) Betzer of Pawnee, Annette (husband, Rev. George) Westlake of Kansas City, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Brittany McConnell of Burbank, California, Geo Westlake of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Brooke Garcia of Seattle, Washington, Austin Westlake of Springfield, Missouri, Daniel Betzer of Branson, Missouri, Lexi Bowering of Kansas City, Missouri and Hope Betzer of Pawnee, Illinois; and seven great-grandchildren.

Phil's family will meet family and friends from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Pawnee Assembly of God Church, with Rev. A.B. Bennett and Phil's sons-in-law Rev. David Betzer and Rev. George Westlake officiating. Burial will follow at Horse Creek Cemetery in Pawnee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pawnee Assembly of God Missions, 1001 Eighth St., Pawnee, IL 62558.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Roger Reynolds. Online condolences may be shared at www.curryfh.com.