Wooden, Michael Wayne,

66, of Louisville, died at his home on September 1, 2016. He is survived by his loving wife, Cecelia; daughter Kelly M. Redmon (Daniel); son Kenton M. Wooden (Elizabeth); four grandchildren (Mikayla K. Spitler, Liam M. Wooden, Eliza Kate Wooden and Ryan Robert Redmon); brothers Charles 'Terry' Wooden and Martin A. Wooden (Jane); nephews Benjamin and Caleb Henning and nieces Janette and Jessie Gayle Henning.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents, Noah and Laura Wooden, and brother Robert Wooden.

He was a graduate of Louisville Male High School (1967); received his Bachelors of Arts Degree in History (1971) and Master's Degree in Secondary Education (1972), University of Louisville. In 1995, he received his real estate sales associates license.

Prior to his retirement, Michael's professional career consisted of serving as Executive Director, Kentucky Real Estate Commission (2009-2016); he founded and served as a partner of Wooden & Associates, Inc. (1992-2009); was employed by Humana, Inc. as a senior public affairs manager (1978-1992); served as vice president, Governmental Affairs, Kentucky Hospital Association (1977-1978); and assistant director of the Louisville and Jefferson County Youth Commission and Department of Community Development, Louisville Public Schools.

He served as president of CLMS Properties, Inc. (1995-2013), a real estate investment company that owned and managed the Meyer Building, located at 624 West Main Street, in Louisville. Michael also served as a member and chairman of the Louisville Downtown Management District.

Michael loved his city and state and served in several elective positions, including: State Representative, 36th District, Kentucky General Assembly (1976-1977). As a legislator, he served as a member of the Health and Welfare Committee, Cities Committee, Education Committee, and Kentucky Privacy Commission. He also served as board member, District 6, Jefferson County Board of Education (1979-1989) serving as chairman in 1980 and 1986; and was appointed a member of the Board of Alderman, City of Louisville, (1990). Active in Democrat politics, Michael served the party in various capacities and worked in the campaigns of numerous local, state, and national candidates.

In addition to elective office, among his many civic activities, he was the founder of the Highland Park Concerned Citizens Council; member, Kentucky Tomorrow Commission; served on the board of directors of the Home of the Innocents; Kentucky Chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; and National Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America.

As a member of the board of directors of Music Theatre Louisville (1995-2003), during his tenure as chairman he was instrumental in re-structuring the organization in 1996-1997 to ensure that outdoor musical theater remained a part of Louisville's arts heritage. He helped lead the two-year planning and fund-raising initiative that resulted in the $9.2 million renovation of the Iroquois Amphitheater in 2003.

Beginning in 1988, Michael served as a member of the Churchill Downs and Breeders' Cup Host Program. He was a graduate of Leadership Kentucky (1988) and the recipient of numerous awards, recognizing his achievements in education, healthcare, arts, and civic affairs.

He was a life-long New York Yankee baseball fan. He enjoyed collecting New York Yankee, Kentucky Derby, and political memorabilia. He loved baseball, golf, and University of Louisville sports. But his greatest joy was spending time and special occasions with his dearest Cecelia, wife of 26 years, and his cherished children, grandchildren, brothers, family members and friends.

He was a Catholic by faith and was a devoted member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. A visitation in memory of Michael will be held at St. Patrick Church (1000 North Beckley Station Road, Louisville, KY 40245) on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 (9:00 am - 11:00 am; a mass will follow at 11:00 am)

Memorial gifts in Michael's memory can be made to the St. Patrick's Pastoral Ministry, who bring faith and care to the homebound (http://www.stpatrick-lou.org - OnLine Giving. Memorial for Michael Wooden is listed at the bottom of the choices)

As a final thought, Michael wanted to leave this last but simple message to all of his family and friends, "I knew this would happen!"