Joe Reynolds

Joseph “Joe” Edwin Reynolds, 78, of Plainfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026, from cardiac arrest caused by respiratory failure. His loving family was gathered around him as he fought a courageous battle for more than a week.

Joe was born on October 13, 1947, in Highland Park, Michigan, to Lee and Alice Mildred Reynolds, who preceded him in death. He grew up alongside his siblings—Annette (deceased), Paula (deceased), Lee (deceased), Stevie, and Debbie (deceased). Independent from a young age, Joe rented his own apartment while still a senior at Highland Park High School.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Louise Reynolds. The two met on a blind double date at a drive-in movie theater and were married a year and a half later in Columbus, Georgia, after Joe was drafted into the Army. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary on July 31, 2025.

Following Joe’s honorable discharge from the Army, he and Mary settled in Westland, Michigan, where they raised their three daughters—Caroll Duque of Indianapolis, Indiana; Patricia (Ben, deceased) Schroeter of Palm Desert, California; and Elizabeth (Brian) Gantz of Indianapolis, Indiana. Joe always reminded his daughters that they could accomplish anything they set their minds to.

Joe began working for General Motors in Detroit, Michigan, at the young age of 18 and returned to the company after his military service. In 1988, he and many of his coworkers transferred to Allison Transmission in Indianapolis, Indiana. He retired in 2013 as a Senior Logistical Statistician. Over the years, he built many lifelong friendships through work and spent countless hours bowling and golfing with his coworkers and friends.

Joe’s children often joked that he could have been a professional bowler, given his impressive skills and scores. He also loved golf and enjoyed attending outings several times a year with his buddies. His golf-themed home office proudly displays proof of his many hole-in-ones. When Joe wasn’t golfing, bowling, or bragging about his children and grandchildren, he enjoyed watching old movies and attending performances at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre. He also cherished the weekly lunches he and Mary shared with their “lunch bunch” friends.

Joe was especially proud of the pride and joy of his life—his six grandchildren: Jacob Schroeter, Austen Duque, Sophia Duque, Naomi Schroeter, Alexandria Gantz, and Zachary Gantz, all of whom affectionately called him “Papa.” If you ever asked Joe about his grandchildren, he would happily talk your ear off about their accomplishments and how proud he was—even if you didn’t ask. Joe never met a stranger and made friends everywhere he went with his humor, storytelling, and gentle teasing. He especially loved connecting with people at his grandchildren’s sporting events, and everyone at Bishop Chatard knew Joe Reynolds as their biggest fan.

Friends and family are invited to attend a service on Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. (noon) at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home, located at 106 Shaw Street, Plainfield, IN 46168. Joe’s dear cousin, Wayne Larkins, will officiate a brief service. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please raise a glass of Joe’s favorite beverage—an icy cold root beer—and offer a toast in his memory.