Published on November 4, 2026 5:50 am
Last Updated on November 4, 2026 10:41 am
Ralph Christopher “Chris” McReynolds age 64, of Forsyth, Illinois formerly of Newton passed away Saturday, October 31, 2026, at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church with Father Pawel Luczak celebrating the mass. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, November 9th at the Crain Funeral Home, Newton. Burial will be in the New St. Peter Cemetery, Newton, Illinois.
Chris was born on November 2, 1961, in Effingham, Illinois, the son of Billy Gene and Myrtle Virginia (Chism) McReynolds. Chris was a graduate of Newton Community High School, class of 1979. On December 3, 1983, Chris married Christina Gibbons. To this union were born five
children — Sarah, Will, Sydney, Wyatt and Symon.
Chris was a lifelong local truck driver and farmer who enjoyed spending his free time outdoors. Some of his favorite activities included mowing, camping, and hunting. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, and football. His athletic focus was baseball, leading him to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals farm system after high school. Chris also loved watching sports, collecting firearms, and watching Western movies and shows. His true passion, however, was music. As a young man, Chris performed with several music groups, playing the drums for those bands. He continued to play the drums and listen to different genres of music his entire life. Chris relished his time as a grandfather and will be remembered by his grandkids as Papa, Grandpa Chris, and Poncho. He will be remembered by everyone for his big voice,
quick wit, and infectious laugh.
Chris will be loved and forever remembered by his children, Sarah (Paul) Lidy, Will (Ashley) McReynolds, Sydney (Travis) Gyuran, Wyatt McReynolds and Symon McReynolds; grandchildren, Dathan Lidy, Kinsley Lidy, Tristan Ferguson, Wilder McReynolds, Jett McReynolds, Journey McReynolds, Karter McReynolds and Wesley Gyuran, and siblings, Tim (Yanya) McReynolds, Nina Boone and Andy (Jamie) McReynolds.
His parents, Bill and Myrt McReynolds, Christina McReynolds and life long family friend, Wayne E. “Hap” Howe preceded him in death.
For those who wish to honor Chris’s memory, contributions can be made to a fund established for his grandchildren. Online condolences may be offered at www.crainfuneral.com.