Bernard Eugene Reynolds

Bernard Eugene “Bud” Reynolds peacefully passed away at his home on December 7, 2020 at the age of 96. Bud was a true gentleman who lived an exemplary life, a life that informed by example. As a World War II veteran, he was a member of “The Greatest Generation.” Bud was born on September 16, 1924, in West Chicago, Illinois, to Jennie and Clarence Reynolds. Bud had a long and loving 68-year marriage with Peggy Carter, whom he married on December 21, 1946 in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and with whom he nurtured a loving family. He and his beloved wife Peggy had three daughters Barbara, Cheryl, and Judi, and created a wonderful, nurturing home. Their daughters respectively married three sons-in-love in Jay Myerson, Gary Demas, and Joe Borcherding. Bud enlisted in the Army when he was 18 years old. He served in World War II throughout the Pacific Theatre. He went on to serve in Korea, Ethiopia, Japan and, of course, stateside. He served first with the 2nd Engineer Special Brigade and then in what came to be known as the Army Security Agency and the U.S. Army Intelligence and Security Command. Bud participated in the Battles of Cape Gloucester, New Guinea, Leyte, Southern Philippines, Bismarck Archipelago, and Luzon. The medals, decorations, and citations awarded to Bud included two Bronze Star Medals, the World War II Victory Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, the Philippine Independence Ribbon, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, and the Distinguished Unit Citation Badge. After he retired as a Lt. Colonel in 1966, he continued to serve his country as a civilian member of the Army Security Agency (ASA) until his retirement in 1986. In 2014, the Military Intelligence Corps Association presented Bud with the Knowlton Award in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to the Military Intelligence Corps. Bud was a Founding Member of the recently opened National Museum for the United States Army. He was a senior member of the ASA Alumni Association, National Capitol Region, and an active member of the VFW Hall in Occoquan, Virginia, where he regularly attended monthly luncheons until not long before his death. His final act in service of our country and his oath to preserve and protect the Constitution, was to stand in line and then vote, in person, on Election Day last month. Bud left his family with a beautiful legacy, having for a life-time established an example of kindness, honesty, fairness, faithfulness, service, and the capacity to love and nurture. He was welcoming and accepting of all. That was how he treated everyone. He lived his values, embracing all. He had a zest for life and always had a positive attitude. Bud was preceded in death by his beloved and devoted wife, Peggy, who passed on January 29, 2015, and by his sister Jeanette Fitzgerald. Although his passing has left gaping holes in their lives, Bud will live on in the hearts of his beloved three daughters and sons-in-love; nine wonderful grandchildren and their spouses/significant others-Joshua Myerson (Sarah), Michael Borcherding (Amanda), Jennifer Samuelson (Patrick), Gregory Demas (Krystle), Matthew Myerson (Annie), Mark Borcherding (Mary), Nicholas Demas (Tiffany), Angela Genazia (Eric), Diane Demas (Ian). He was Pops to his nine (soon to be ten) precious great grandchildren. He is also survived by his beloved brother-in-law Thomas Carter and sister-in-law Kate Lowman. He will be fondly remembered and missed by a host of friends, mentees, and former colleagues. Funeral services will be held at the Old Chapel at Ft. Myer, Virginia, followed by burial in Arlington Cemetery at a date and time to be determined in the future. Arrangements are by Demaine Funeral Home, Springfield, Virginia. A video montage of Bud’s life is posted on the Demaine Funeral Home website. Bud’s family wishes to extend our love and our sincere thanks to Mavis Bonsu, his aide, who provided Bud with loving care. Donations in his memory may be given to Heartland Hospice of Fairfax, Virginia and to the Army Historical Foundation—National Museum for the United States Army.