Dr. Merleb. Reynoldson

Dr. Merle B. Reynoldson, 90, passed away on October 16, 2011 at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City. Funeral services for long-time optometrist Dr. Reynoldson will take place at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Funeral Chapel on Saturday, October 22, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Phil Fischer officiating. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Junction City. Visitation for family and friends will be from 5:30 to 7:00 on Friday, October 21, at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

Merle Brock Reynoldson was born on February 25, 1921 to Clarence and Alpharetta (Brock) Reynoldson in Albion, Nebraska. Raised on a farm in Albion, Merle learned the value of hard work and dedication at an early age. He graduated a year early from Albion High School in 1938, and with only five dollars in his pocket, a $200.00 scholarship from Sears Roebuck & Company and the "good wishes" of his parents, Merle hitchhiked to Lincoln, NE to begin his college education at the University of Nebraska. While in college, he met the love of his life, Joan Ferris, and they were married on March 21, 1942 in Ansley, Nebraska. Merle and Joan have enjoyed over 69 years of marriage – traveling, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

Dr. Reynoldson graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1942 before entering World War II. Merle attended Officers' Candidate School and eventually earned the rank of captain in the United States Army. He was a medical supply officer stationed in Liberia, Africa during the war. After being discharged in 1946, he entered the Northern Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago graduating in the spring of 1948.

Dr. Merle Reynoldson began his optometric practice in Junction City on September 1, 1948. One of Merle's proudest moments was when his son, Guy, joined the practice in July of 1977. Both colleagues and best friends, Dr. Merle and Dr. Guy worked side by side until Merle retired during the summer of 1994. However, he continued to visit the office on a daily basis chatting with patients and staff until his health prevented him from doing so. After 63 years of optometric practice in our community, "Dr. Merle's" legacy will live on as the practice will always be Drs. Reynoldson and Reynoldson.

Merle's passion throughout the years has always been golf, playing with family and friends on courses all over the world. Upon retirement, Merle Reynoldson studied to become an accredited golf rules official for the Kansas Golf Association. Traveling to various towns in the state of Kansas at his own expense and away from his wife, Dr. Reynoldson officiated at a variety of golf tournaments including Big 12 events as well as Kansas and Kansas Senior Amateur tournaments. Perhaps his favorite though was officiating at the Kansas Junior golf events where he could teach young golfers the rules and etiquette of golf. Golf has always been considered a "gentlemen's game", and without a doubt, Dr. Merle Reynoldson was a true gentleman.

Loved and admired by all who knew him, Dr. Reynoldson is survived by his wife Joan, daughter Joy Meyer, and son Guy and wife Marilyn, all of Junction City. Also, surviving is his grandson, David, of Kansas City, Missouri, as well as his sisters, Leone Green of Albion, Nebraska, and Ethel Cook of Maxwell, Nebraska. Preceding him in death were his parents as well as his brothers Verne and Lawrence.

Dr. Merle's sly humor, infectious laugh, and "love of family" will be greatly missed. Junction City not only lost a dedicated optometrist and passionate golfer but a truly great man who lived life to its fullest.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions have been designated to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, c/o JC/Fort Riley Shrine Club, P.O. Box 112, Junction City, KS 66441 and the First United Methodist Church, 804 N. Jefferson, Junction City, KS 66441.