Russell "Butch" J. Reynolds, age 74, went home to be with the Lord on July 28, 2023. Russell was born September 27, 1948, in Allen County, Ohio, to the late Russell W. and Ruth Ann (Wectcha) Reynolds.

On September 14, 1982 he married Janice K. (Howell) Reynolds who preceded him in death.

Russ was a 1966 graduate of Elida High School. Following high school, Russ joined the Army and proudly served his country from Feb 1968 to Feb 1971.

After serving in Vietnam, Russ worked for Dana Corporation and Ohio Dept of Transportation where he retired in July 2006.

He had been a member of the New Hope Christian Center and the Audubon Society.  Together, he and his wife loved watching birds and all things nature.  Russ was a photographer enthusiast. He loved spending time with his family.  Most recently, he and his son, Zach, were inseparable and shared many fond memories together.  When his health started to decline in recent months, Zach never left his side. Russ was also comforted by the love and support of his nephews, Paul J. Saffle, Jr. and Mike Thomas, both of Lima.

Russ is survived by his children: Zach Reynolds of Lima, Tommy Lee (Deb Cipollone) Howell III of St. Marys, Eric Howell of Lima, Lonnell Saunders of Delphos, and Norman (Brenda) Howell of Lima, 9 grandchildren: Nicole (Kevin Briem) Scott, Travis Howell, Nathan (Crystal) Howell, Karena Sheets, Tosha Howell, Madison Schiele, Clinton (Cayla Moon) Howell, Aaron Saunders and Alex Schiele, 11 great grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by the mother of his son, Zach, his former wife, Judy (Armstrong) Reynolds Gephart, and 3 sisters, Shirley Thomas, Judith Saffle and Phyllis Logan.

Home going services will be held at New Hope Christian Center, 2240 Baty Rd., Lima, Ohio. Visitation will be from 11am until the time of services at 2pm on Tuesday, August 1, 2023.  Burial will immediately follow at West Union Cemetery, Spencerville, Ohio, where military rights will be performed by the Army's Honor Guard and Spencerville veterans.  Memorial contributions may be made to the Audubon Society.