Douglas James Wyman

Douglas James Wyman, 95, died peacefully on February 24, joining his beloved wife, Barbara, in heaven. They were married for 69 years.  

  Born in Detroit, Michigan on January 9, 1928, to Frank and Kathleen Wyman, he was the  proud father of 9 children: David (Danita), Larry (the late Laura), Mark ( Sylvia Nieves), Jim (Joy), Mary (Bruce Corson), Ann (Dale Amtower), Joe (Katy), John (Allyn) and Gerald (Krista) Wyman. He was the cherished grandfather of Melissa, Alisha, Amanda, Chris, Dylan, Nick, Samantha, Daniel, Kathleen, Mila, Tesla, Terry, Sophie and Paul. And great-grandfather of 15; dear brother to the late Desmond (Josephine), Peggy Wyman and Jane( Douglas Kirkland); and adopted father of many cousins and friends. He also leaves his beloved four-legged companion, Bebe.  

  Fifty-eight years ago, Doug and his family moved to Oak Park and Ascension Parish. Doug was a man of deep faith and social justice, dedicating much of his life to ministries in the Church and outside of it, helping to create a more just and peaceful world.     

  In 1980 during his professional career as a printing salesman, Doug started his own consulting firm, Sales Directors, which grew to be successful with the invaluable assistance of Lauretta Christensen and later the mother-daughter Kibblesmith team.   Within the printing industry, he became known as a “Sales Guru,” conducting seminars throughout the country.   

  He co-wrote multiple books on how to train successful salespeople. His mantra was “there is no such thing as a cold call-rather, warm people who need your help.”  

  At Ascension, he served as lector, Eucharistic minister; and was a celebrated participant in the parish theatrical productions.  

  He was among the founders of his treasured faith community, Extending the Word, which brought about some of the closest friendships of his life. Over the years within that group, Doug assumed the role of “wise spiritual elder.”   

  Doug and Barbara lived for 38 years on what he called “the best block in Oak Park, 1000 South Scoville, with the most loving and supportive neighbors.”  The Wyman “kids” are so grateful for the ongoing meals and support from the people of this block during the height of the Covid pandemic  (w a special shout out to Renee and Phil Zoltowski)

  As a tireless social justice advocate, he was an early volunteer with PADS, now known as Housing Forward, an organization dedicated to helping end homelessness.  As a member of Ascension’s Peace and Justice Committee, his passion was to end gun violence.  He is especially known as a champion fundraiser for the annual Crop Walk to end hunger worldwide.   

  Doug was well known in local political circles, especially through his work between 1968 - 2018 with Village Management Association (VMA), which was tasked with choosing good candidates to run for Oak Park Village government.  Many villagers voted solely on Doug’s committee’s recommendations.   

  His varied connections and relationships led him to become a radio personality as co-host of the Doris Davenport Show “All Things Local.” Doug and Doris became very close during their years interviewing and hosting a wide variety of guests from Oak Park and beyond. Doris states “God broke the mold when he made Douglas J Wyman.”  

  His legacy will include the ability to find fun in every situation, persistence, service, good citizenship, eternal optimism, and the ability to encourage and inspire others. His message, learned from his grandfather, was, “If it is to be, it’s up to you and me.”  

  Doug’s strong baritone voice and great storytelling entertained many, as he held to the belief that you should “never let the facts get in the way of a good story.”  

  Mentor to countless locals and others, Doug took great joy in having deep and meaningful conversations with friends and strangers alike.  His listening skills led to offering wise counsel and encouragement to people to use their strengths to follow and realize their dreams.    A member of Doug’s men’s reflection group repeated what others had said “When I grow up, I want to be like Doug Wyman.”      

  He perfected his famous “Doug Hug” through practice. His romantic devotion to his wife, Barbara, was manifested when he served as caregiver to her during their 15-year journey with Alzheimer's disease. Doug benefited from, then became a valued member of the local Alzheimer’s Support Group.  

  He continued to be incredibly robust until five months before his passing. This would not have been possible without the tender loving care he received over many years from the caregivers- first for Barbara then for him- Joycee, Vella, Sheila, and Kristelle.    

 He was very excited to move into his new home at the American House Senior Living Community where the staff treated him like a king.   His friends and community gifted him with a pool table so he could host his pool buddies of many years. He always showed up for a party- the most notable being just last week,  February 19th, 2023, when he officiated the wedding of his son John to his new wife Allyn.  

  Doug often said, “I am most grateful for my family, my 9 children and their significant others- (and I mean significant)- my 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.”   We - his family - feel incredibly blessed to have had him as our patriarch and example to follow.  

   Doug Wyman loved many and was loved by many. We will greatly miss this wonderful man who lived enthusiastically and passionately until the end of his days.  

   Funeral Mass: At Ascension Church 808 S. East Ave, Oak Park, Saturday March 18th at 10 am followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to this year’s Crop Hunger Walk at  https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/doug-wyman.

For further information about Doug’s Celebration of Life, please see  www.petersonfuneralhome.com