Vernon O'Dell Reans

Live Webcast of Funeral ServiceGrenada, MS - Vernon O. Reans, age 94, formerly of Sledge, MS, passed away Tuesday afternoon, January 20, 2015, at the Veterans Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral services for Mr. Reans will be held Friday January 23, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Wells Funeral Home in Batesville MS. Interment will follow at Longtown Cemetery in Crenshaw MS. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 Thursday evening the 22nd at Wells Funeral Home. Reverend Jim Nunnelee and Reverend Chad Phelan will officiate the service. Vernon was born October 8, 1919 in Dierks, AR to the late James Henry Reans and Cordella Markham Reans. The family moved to San Joaquin Valley California where Vernon joined the US Army in 1942. While stationed in Memphis, TN, he met his wife of 72 years, Ruth Bailey Reans. Shortly after their marriage in 1943, Vernon was shipped out to the South Pacific including New Guinea, Australia, and the Philippines where he served as Master Sgt. Mechanic. After being honorably discharged from World War II, the couple resided in California for 2 years before moving back to Sledge MS in 1951. Vernon farmed and was a heavy equipment operator until retirement. During his life he was a deacon and active member of the Sledge First Baptist Church before moving to Grenada in 2009 when he moved his membership to the Grenada First Baptist Church. He loved tinkering with and fixing just about anything. He cherished serving his church and helping out anyway he could. Most of all he loved watching his children and grandchildren grown and was know to never miss a sports event in which his children were participating. He will be greatly missed by his wife of 72 years Ruth Bailey Reans of Grenada, MS; 2 daughters, Marilyn Reans Pang (Ed) of Senatobia, MS, and Martha Reans O'Neal (Jimmy) of Jayess, MS; 1 son, Henry Michael Reans (Beverly) of Grenada, MS; 4 Grandchildren and 8 Great-Grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by 2 sisters, Dorothy O'Bar and Robbie Reans, and 1 brother JJ Reans. The family ask for those wishing to send memorial contribution in Mr. Reans honor to please do so to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org or the Salvation Army at donate.salvationarmyusa.org/