Dr. Harold L. “Diz” Reents, 86, of Litchfield, died on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, at HSHS St. Johns in Springfield.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Litchfield. Hough and Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro is assisting the family with arrangements.
Dr. Reents was born in Litchfield on Nov. 5, 1934, to Frederick and Grace (Luking) Reents. He married Patty Sue Nichols on Dec. 31, 1955.
Dr. Reents graduated from Litchfield High School (LHS) in 1952. He received his bachelors degree on a football scholarship while at Western Illinois University, his masters at Illinois State University and his doctorate at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. He earned an associates of practical theology at Christ For the Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, TX, and became an ordained minister.
Dr. Reents was an educator, including several years as a teacher, coach and principal at Litchfield High School and superintendent of Litchfield School District until 1978. At CFNI, he was a student, registrar, academic dean, alumni director and an instructor. He lived overseas as a missionary and traveled to five continents on mission trips. He was on staff at Living Stones Church in Litchfield and volunteered with Meals on Wheels and several other organizations over the years.
His family stated that countless people have considered Dr. Reents as a spiritual father and mentor, from his family to individuals worldwide. He wanted to help foreign students start Bible colleges in their home countries. This vision led to him assisting the start of Bible colleges in Thailand, Australia and Malaysia.
Dr. Reents is survived by his wife; five children, Mike (Marianne) Reents of Spokane, WA, Tim (Cindy) Reents of Litchfield, Beth (Olda) Hetych of Owosso, MI, Laura Coates of Saginaw, TX, and Chris (Kevin) Kelley of Colleyville, TX; 16 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; and three sisters, Maryanne Martin of Springfield, Helen Ondrey of Litchfield and Margaret Timms of Napa, CA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Jim, Bill and Bob Reents; and one sister, Dorothy Warren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to HSHS St. John’s Hospital or Hearts United. Condolences may be left online at HoughFuneralHome.com.
