Harold "Diz" Reents

Dr. Harold L. “Diz” Reents 86 of Litchfield passed away Nov. 17, 2020 at HSHS St. Johns in Springfield.

He was born in Litchfield on Nov. 5, 1934 to Frederick and Grace (Luking) Reents.  He graduated from Litchfield High School (LHS) in 1952.  He received his Bachelors degree on a football scholarship while at Western IL University; his Masters at IL State University; and his Doctorate at Southern IL University Carbondale.  He earned an Associates of Practical Theology at Christ For the Nations Institute (CFNI), Dallas, TX and became an ordained minister.

He was an educator, including several years as a teacher, coach and principal at LHS and Superintendent of Litchfield School District until 1978.  At CFNI, he was student, Registrar, Academic Dean, Alumni Director and 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.

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 led to him assisting the start of Bible colleges in Thailand, Australia and Malaysia.

He married Patty Sue Nichols on Dec. 31, 1955 and she survives.  He is also survived by their five children:  Mike (wife Marianne) Reents of Spokane, WA; Tim (wife Cindy) Reents of Litchfield; Beth (husband Olda) Hetych of Owosso, MI; Laura Coates of Saginaw, TX; Chris (husband Kevin) Kelley of Colleyville, TX.  They have 16 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.  Diz is also survived by three sisters: Maryanne Martin of Springfield, IL; Helen Ondrey of Litchfield, IL; 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.

A memorial will be held at a later date.  Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery in Litchfield.  Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to HSHS St. Johns Hospital or Hearts United.  Condolences can be left online at HoughFuneralHome.com

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