David Joseph Reynolds, 49, departed this life on June 11, 2024, following a two-year battle with cancer. He died in his home, surrounded by his loving family.
David was born in Marion on November 14, 1974. He graduated from Marion High School in 1993 and attended Ball State University, where he studied physics and astronomy.
His interests were many and varied, and he developed expertise in all of them. These included electronics, astronomy, physics, photography, woodworking, ham radio, camping, and travel. His favorite times were those spent with his family. Those who knew him will always remember his incredible intelligence and his ability to think through problems.
In March of 1997, during a vacation trip to Beijing, China, he met and fell in love with Xue Fan. Later that year, Fan emigrated to the United States, and they were married that December in David’s parents’ home.
Dave had always been interested in his parent’s business building and servicing pipe organs. He had become an expert in many areas of the business when still a boy, helping his dad maintain the organ in Memorial Coliseum. When he married, he co-founded Reynolds Associates in partnership with his dad. Together, they built or renovated over 60 pipe organs and produced some of the finest instruments in the Midwest. For these organs, David created intricate design plans and layouts. Reynolds Associates, Inc., became one of the first organ building firms to employ CNC technology to create their instruments, and David was the guiding force behind the use of this technology. The pipe organs they created together have the potential to last for centuries.
David’s proudest achievement came in 2004 when Fan gave birth to their son, Jonathan Peter Reynolds. His greatest pleasure was doing projects with his son, attending his swim meets and cross-country events, and traveling with him. Together, they explored China, Alaska, and northern Michigan. Whenever Jonathan needed him, he was available to fix a car or teach his son how to turn projects on the lathe. In 2022, following David’s cancer diagnosis, Jonathan entered Indiana University, where he is studying Medical Administration.
Survivors include his wife, Fan; beloved son, Jonathan; mother, Tina; father, Thad; mother-in-law, Zhang-Ting; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his cousin, James Miller, who also worked for the organ company. James was killed in an automobile accident in March of this year.
At David’s request, there will be no funeral or visitation. Instead, a memorial concert will be held next year on the new pipe organ at First United Methodist Church in Noblesville, the last project in which he actively participated. That instrument was finished only a few weeks before his death.
In the beautiful works he created, and in the lives he touched, David Reynolds will continue to enrich the lives of others.
Arrangements are entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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