Michael Wynn

1947 - 2014

Wynn, Michael (May 2, 1947 December 10, 2014) Michael Wynn was born to Lilian Virgil Wynn and Zenus Wynn Sr. on May 2, 1947 at Community Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. He was the youngest of six children. Mike attended Foster, Lincoln, Skiles and Nichols schools in Evanston. He was an outstanding student athlete at Evanston Township High School (ETHS), where he lettered in football, basketball and track. Mike was State Champion in the discus throw and earned the school's top award for citizenship. Based on his outstanding athletic achievement, he earned a four year scholarship to play football at the University of Nebraska. On March 19, 1967 Mike was inducted into the Epsilon Tau Chapter of Kappa Alpha PSI Fraternity. After college he maintained a strong bond with his Kappa Brothers joining the Evanston Alumni chapter. Mike remained active until his passing. At the end of Michael's sophomore year at The University of Nebraska, he married his high school sweetheart, Marcia Catherine McKnight (August 5, 1967). To that union, four children were born: Kelli, Laura, Justin and Riian. While in college, Michael excelled on the football field. He was honored to be chosen to play in the Hula Bowl his senior year where he received his cherished Hula Bowl ring. After college, Mike was drafted into the NFL by the Oakland Raiders. Mike continued his NFL career, playing for the New England Patriots.Michael was forced to retire sooner than he would have liked due to injuries. Football remained a lifelong passion for Mike, and he enjoyed sharing the love of the game with others. He coached football at Northwestern University, Purdue University, University of Minnesota and the University of Missouri. Mike was a coach, mentor and surrogate father to many. He and Marcia returned to Evanston in 1985, with their 4 children. Michael then went on to work at ETHS. There he served as an educational leader in many positions including teacher, football and wrestling coach, Student Services Coordinator, Earn & Learn Coordinator, and Dean of Students.It has been said that Michael was a "man's man" who showed compassion, kindness and genuinely wanted to help shape men with those same qualities. In 1987, Michael and Marcia's son, Justin, died in a swimming pool accident. From this tragedy, the Justin Wynn Memorial Fund was founded to acknowledge the strong character traits that were instilled in Justin by his parents. This fund was established to foster leadership among Evanston's 4th grade students. Through a variety of community service activities and projects, "Wynners" develop the skills to be life-long leaders. In 2003, Michael retired from his position as Dean of Students and he and Marcia moved to Florida.It was during this time that Marcia's health deteriorated, and they returned to Evanston. Mike and Marcia were devoted to one another. Michael, with the help of his daughters, continued to demonstrate his deep love for Marcia through his extraordinary care for her during her long illness. Michael recommitted his life to Christ as an adult and was an active member of Ebenezer AME Church, serving as a Trustee and a member of the Men's Ministry. Michael never missed an opportunity to offer his testimony. Michael went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 10, 2014. Left to cherish his memories and continue on his legacy, daughters, Kelli Wynn-Smith (Glen), Laura Wynn, Riian Wynn; beloved grandchildren, Marlon, Bailey, Frankie, Andrew and Kamerin; sisters, Rosalie Watson (Phelps), Anna Leatherwood; brothers, Karl Muhammad, Zenus Wynn Jr. (Theresa), Melvin Wynn (Belvia); devoted and loving mother in-law, Catherine McKnight; brother-in-law, Louis English (Patricia); sisters-in-law, Donzeleigh Hunter, Tanya Burton (Daniel); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and a special friend and spark of inspiration, Michele Rogers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia; son, Justin; and his parents, Lilian and Zenus. Michael's compassion, patience, leadership and generous nature came with a warm smile for everyone he met. Let us honor him by celebrating his life and character. Visitation 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2014. Service 7:00 p.m., First Presbyterian Church of Evanston, 1427 Chicago Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201. Officiating Rev. Patricia Efiom of Ebenezer AME Church.