Gary Joe Reynolds, age 79, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 12, 2021. He was born in Fredonia, KS on May 4, 1941, the son of Orval and Gladys (Wright) Reynolds. He married Nancy Brown in Neodesha, KS, on June 11, 1960.

Gary graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Agricultural Education, pursued his Master’s Degree at Oklahoma State University in Forage and Cereal Grain Crops and completed his higher education at Louisiana State University studying for his PhD in Honey Bee Genetics. He was employed by the USDA for 12 years ending at the Honey Bee Laboratory in Baton Rouge, LA. Wishing to be his own employer, he moved his family to Concordia, KS to start Rainbow Honey Farm, named for the many colors of his hives. Gary always said that the honey bee was both his vocation and avocation. His love of the tiny insect was his passion for 57 years.

Gary was a 45 year member of Concordia Wesleyan Church having served as vice chairman of the board and youth sponsor. He was active in national, state and area beekeeping organizations. Gary served as President of Mid US Honey Producers, a 7 state organization, President of the Kansas Honey Producers Association, Founder and President of the North Central Kansas Beekeeping Organization, a 50+ year membership of the American Beekeeping Association, President of the Salina Farmers’ Market and Founder of the Concordia Farmers’ Market.

Along with a Kansas elementary student, Gary was instrumental in securing the honey bee as the official Kansas State Insect. He appeared before the International Trade Commission in both Washington DC and Topeka KS in support of the honey bee.

For many years Gary substitute taught in the Concordia, Minneapolis, Clifton-Clyde and Pike Valley School districts. Known as The Honey Man, he enjoyed the students and interacting with them and provided lots of honeystix. Many classes visited Rainbow Honey Farm and Gary spoke to classes about the value of the honey bee.

Gary is survived by his wife, Nancy, sons GJ Reynolds ( Alita) Lincoln NE, James Reynolds (Mechelle) , Concordia and daughter Julianne Yankoviz ( Kenny) , Manhattan, brother Dan Reynolds ( Barbara) , Grand Junction, CO, 13 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and half-brother, Wayne Bargar.

Cremation has taken place and per his wishes there will be no service.

Memorial contributions may be given to Franklin Graham Samaritan’s Purse Beekeeping Project, which provides starter hives, training to care for the bees and harvesting honey to families in need in third world countries, in care of Chaput-Buoy Funeral Home, PO Box 606, Concordia, KS 66901. For online condolences please visit, www.chaputbuoy.com.