Merle James Reynolds was born on July 19, 1922, in Prague, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Thursday, October 6, 2016, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 94.

Merle, the son of Albert and Lucy Ellison Reynolds, was a resident of Prague.

Merle proudly served in the US Army during World War II. A member of our fighting forces in Europe he landed at Normandy in the D-Day invasion, then went on later that year to fight in The Battle of the Bulge.

Returning home from the war he married Lena Sparacino, she preceded him in death.

Merle spent many years as a Merchant Marine. He was very handy with a rope, a sailor, Merle found rope to be an integral tool in his life. In his early years Merle was a fine athlete active in track, baseball and basketball.

His parents, three brothers and one sister preceded him in death.

Merle is survived by nieces, Leila and Dana Chun of Kaneohe, Hawaii, Billie Tanner of Shawnee, Schatzi Baker of Meeker, Janie Reynolds of Midwest City, Debbie Reynolds and Stuart Dunlop of Albuquerque, New Mexico, nephews, Bob and Patti Reynolds of Prague and Alan and Tracy Reynolds of Honolulu, Hawaii and many other family and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Prague with Tim Emmons officiating.