HERMAN LAFAYETTE REYNOLDS, JR
1918-2016
Herman LaFayette Reynolds, Jr., a true southern gentleman, went to be with his Lord on the 7th of August, 2016. We celebrate his reunion with his beloved wife, Jackie, who preceded him in death in June, 2012.
Herman was born in Houston, TX, son of Herman and Clemmie O’Bannon Reynolds, on the 9th of August, 1918. After his graduation from San Jacinto High School, he attended Washington and Lee University and Rice University (when it was Rice Institute)-two institutions he was extraordinarily proud of having attended. After spending time in the Navy during World War II, Herman returned to Houston and married the former Jacqueline Hoeffler-the love of his life-in 1944. They celebrated 67 years of mutual devotion and loving commitment.
Jackie and Herman lived in many places throughout his long and successful career with Remington Rand Corporation- Houston, Austin, Dallas, Fairfield, CT, Richmond, VA, and Strafford, PA. They maintained a wide circle of friends and relationships everywhere they lived. In retirement, Jackie and Herman moved to their country home in Round Top , TX, where they were surrounded by an incredible network of loving and attentive friends. After Jackie passed away, Herman (and his daughters) appreciated the love and comfort these special friends continued to provide.
First and foremost, Herman was known for his quick mind and his ability to recall even the smallest detailsattributes which stayed with him to the very end. His humor, wit, and love of history and travel made him a most excellent conversationalist. He will be so missed by everyone he knew, socialized with, and who had the good fortune to have had him as a father and grandfather. He was also very proud of being the oldest living member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church-both in terms of age and length of membership.
He was also preceded in death by his son, Herman Reynolds III.
Herman is survived by his two daughters, Patricia Reynolds Cowan and her husband, Mark, and Darsey Reynolds Gridley. He leaves three grandchildren who lovingly called him “Popoo”-Kathryn Reynolds Gridley, Carrie Cowan, and Drew Cowan.
An interment and graveside service will be held at 11 o’clock in the morning on Thursday, August 11, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery. The family will gather in the funeral home foyer. Rev. Terry Thompson, a minister with St. Paul’s United Methodist Church for many years, and a close friend of the family, will officiate.
A celebration of Herman’s life will be held at JW’s in Carmine, TX from 3 o’clock to 5 o’clock on the afternoon of Saturday, the 13th of August. We welcome all his many friends who showered him with so much love to join us in this celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Herman’s memory may be made to The James Dick Foundation (Round Top Festival Institute), P.O. Box 89, Round Top, TX 78954-0089-where he and Jackie enjoyed beautiful music and camaraderie.