Richard Reyes

Richard V. Reyes, Sr. age 81, of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, unexpectedly went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, September 12, 2014. He was surrounded by his loved ones at the Aurora Health Care Center. He was born October 5, 1932, in Atwood, CO, a son of the late Jose and Grace (Delgado) Reyes. At the age of 15, Richard expressed many times with honor and gratification that he was invited to attend an Old Gospel church service in Sterling, Colorado of which he agreed to be present. He was unaware that he was about to experience the most unambiguous occurrence in his life. During the church service, Richard would contemplate the preaching of the evangelist and he would ask himself, "How does this man know my life story?" Before the church service ended, the preacher extended the invitation to accept of having a relationship with the Lord and Savior by saying, "If you feel lonely, sick, and need a friend who sticketh closer than a brother, I give you, Jesus." Richard immediately decided to embrace the Christianity faith. He did not walk to the altar; he rapidly rushed to the front - as Richard would say, "I ran to the altar." The moment that Richard approached the altar, he cried out to God and said, "If this is real Jesus, I want everything of You, Lord." After his unforgettable encounter with his Wonderful Savior, he was never the same again. Unspeakable joy and love flowed through every vein of his body. The day after, Richard was unstoppable, he visited his family, friends, and acquaintances because he desired to share what God performed in his life. His passion and devotion to his faith created a profound desire to attend Latin American Bible Institute (LABI) in Ysleta, Texas; a suburb of El Paso, TX. Through the years, the bible institute relocated to San Antonio, TX. Richard was a member of the bible institute's traveling quartet. His voice and harmonization was one of a kind. In 1950, Richard graduated from LABI. While attending Bible School, on the first day of Richard's 2nd year, he met his soul mate, Mary. Richard witnessed the arrival of the most beautiful girl in the world. With a sparkle in Richard's eyes, he would share throughout the years as if it was just yesterday, "When I saw my Mary (mi Guerita) exit the car, I shared with my friends, you are seeing my future wife." The couple dated for 2 ½ years before their marriage commitment on February 24, 1952, in Pharr, Texas. After sharing their vows to one another, they moved to Julesburg, Colorado. Their early years of marriage, involved the beginning of Mary's mission work in Mexico of which Richard was her core financial supporter. Because he desired for the mission work to continue full force as Mary fed the hungry, clothed the undressed, and shared God's unconditional love, Richard worked two shifts for 10 years and devoted one shift to the Mexico outreach. Richard would comment that because he was the head of household and needed to fulfil his responsibilities, there were many times he was unable to join his wife to Mexico, but his financial support would represent his presence. At a young age, Richard became a minister for the Midwest Latin American District of the Assemblies of God, which he dedicated himself to over 50 years of ministry. In the 1950's, he pastored a church in New Mexico and Mary was his pastoral associate. In 1960, Richard decided to move his family to Sheboygan, Wisconsin where Richard was the pastor of the Spanish Assembly of God Church, while his wife, Mary was an active pastoral associate. Later, they became members of the currently known Praise Fellowship Church. As of 2001, Richard became an elder and pastoral associate of his son's church - Fresh Rain Worship Center. Richard and his family spearheaded the Prison Ministry in Wisconsin in 1980. His family would volunteer and perform monthly concerts and weekly Bible Studies. Due to work obligations, Richard would join his family on the weekends. According to the inmates, he was considered the "Reverend Papa" because he was a father to the fatherless. His genuine love and sense of humor was impeccable. Richard was loved and very well respected by all. In addition, Richard worked at a few places of employment before delightfully dedicating 32 years as a laborer at Willman's Industries in Cedar Grove, WI. He took pride when it came to provide for his family. Richard's lineage and all who knew him, identified him as a "hard worker" and "facetious" individual. He was the light of the party. His comical and amusing character had everyone laughing off their chairs. Richard's love of his life, Mary was his soul mate - they were inseparable. His children were his pride and joy. Everyone who was close to Richard knew that he was very proud of his children. His never ending story telling of his two oldest sons, Ricardo and Rudy, who served in the United States Marine Corps were told with pleasure and respect. Along with story after story told with enthusiasm of his sons, Ron and Russ. Nevertheless, his eyes glistened when he would share stories of daddy's only little girl, Ruby. Family was everything to Richard. He also, enjoyed reading, singing and playing the guitar. All in all, Richard was a unique and one-of-a kind father, grandfather, and servant of God. He left behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. Survivors include his four sons and one daughter; Ricardo (Ruth) of Sheboygan, Rudy (Diana) of Jacksonville, NC, Ron (Christie) of Sheboygan Falls and Russ (Naomi) of Sheboygan, his daughter; Ruby (Javier) Garcia of Cleveland, WI, along with 16 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren. Richard is also survived by other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 62 ½ years, Mary A. Reyes (his Guerita), parents, father-in-law, mother-in-law, four brothers, and five sisters; as well as by other relatives. Richard will be dearly missed and always loved. He was an amazing person. A funeral service will be conducted for Richard at Ballhorn Funeral Chapels on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. Richard's son, Russ and daughter, Ruby will sing at the ceremony while Russ will officiate the funeral service. A private visitation for only immediate family members will be held from 10:00am-11:00am. At 11:00am a time of viewing will be opened to the public. The Memorial Service will be conducted at 1:00pm. Committal rites and interment will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Richard's family members wish to extend a special thank you to everyone who expressed their condolences and support. A Memorial Fund has been established in Richard's name.