Wyman Jay Nash Jr.

Wyman Jay Nash Jr., of Mendon, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025 at the age of 77. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose kindness and unwavering dedication to family and community touched all who knew him.

Wyman was born on August 13, 1948, in Coldwater, Michigan, to Wyman Sr. and Marcile Nash. He was the youngest of three siblings and grew up with determination, becoming the first in his family to attend college. After graduating from Colon High School in 1968, he earned an associate's degree in Automotive Technology from Glen Oaks Community College. While in high school and early college, Wyman worked at The Colon Zephyr.

On August 30, 1968, Wyman married Shirley (Stauffer), and together they welcomed their first child, Shanelle, in 1969, followed by their son Kevin, completing their family. Though Wyman and Shirley divorced in 1981, he remained a steady, loving, and deeply involved father throughout his children's lives. After many years on his own and once his children were grown and off to college, Wyman met Diane. They dated for two years and were married on August 22, 1997, in a small, intimate ceremony. In the early years of their marriage, Wyman and Diane loved spending time outdoors - cycling along the Kal-Haven Trail and kayaking down the St. Joseph and Manistee Rivers. In more recent years, they enjoyed spending part of their winters in Florida, where they delighted in welcoming friends and family. Wyman always enjoyed the sandy beaches of Florida or Lake Michigan, and over the last several years, he cherished quiet moments sitting under an umbrella listening to the rhythm of the lake or ocean waves. Wyman also made special time to watch grandchildren's sporting events, cheering them on with immense pride.

Wyman built an extraordinary career spanning more than 40 years in agricultural equipment sales. Over the decades, he proudly sold equipment from International Harvester, Case IH, Cub Cadet, and Landoll. His professional journey took him through positions with Weaver & Lingg, Bolen International, and Farmland Equipment, culminating in 28 dedicated years with Wells Equipment in Litchfield, Michigan. For Wyman, selling tractors was about far more than machinery. His greatest joy came from the lifelong friendships he developed with his customers and his co- workers-relationships built on trust, respect, and genuine care. He was often on the road most of the week, traveling hundreds of miles to visit farms and customers, many of whom became dear friends. Wyman's warmth and dedication left a lasting impact not only on the agricultural community he served but on everyone fortunate enough to know him. He delighted in striking up conversations with complete strangers, often discovering unexpected connections and, at times, sharing his faith with them.

In addition to the deep relationships he built with his customers, Wyman's greatest treasure was his family. He found true joy in the woods, especially during cherished trips "up north" to his property. In the early years, those visits were filled with adventure-motorcycling, three-wheeling, snowmobiling, mushroom hunting, and deer hunting side by side with his friends and family. As time went on, Wyman and Diane purchased their own place, creating a tradition of hosting annual Labor Day gatherings at their property in Brethren, Michigan. These celebrations held a special place in Wyman's heart, giving him the opportunity to share his peaceful woodland sanctuary with friends and family. He delighted in the simple pleasures of nature even proudly showcasing his custom-built outhouse and shower. Wyman's fun-loving and adventurous spirit was brightest when he was making memories with those he loved. Though not a man of great material wealth, he always gave selflessly to provide for his family, offering them the richness of his big heart and calm demeanor. Rarely upset, Wyman led with kindness and quiet strength, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.

Wyman is survived by his loving wife, Diane Nash; his children, Shanelle Friel (Randy) and Kevin Nash (Amy); his stepchildren, Brandon VanDonk (Lisa), Bethany VanDonk (Fred), and Megan Fogg; and nine beloved grandchildren: Tim (Stephanie), Jackie, and Austin Friel; Abby, Carson, Logan, and Jayden Nash; and Anabelle and Gideon VanDonk. Through his marriage to Diane, Wyman also gained dear brothers- and sisters-in-law -Roy, Linda, Rhonda, Cindy, and Dan - along with many nieces and nephews, all of whom held a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his parents, Wyman Sr. and Marcile Nash; his brother, Jim Wright (Kay); his sister, Pat Gibbons; his brother-in-law, Jon Gibbons; and Diane's parents, Charles D. Sellers and Doris Lee Hoyt.

Visitation will be held at Eickhoff Funeral Home, 311 W. Main Street, Mendon, Michigan, on Thursday, August 28, 2025 from 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. In keeping with Wyman's wishes, cremation will take place. A celebration of life will follow on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11 a.m. at The Cathedral at Valley Family Church, 2500 Vincent Avenue, Portage, Michigan 49024, followed by a time of fellowship and food.

In honor of Wyman's remarkable career proudly representing the International Harvester and Case IH brands, we invite you to celebrate his legacy by wearing your favorite IH or Case IH apparel to the visitation and/or celebration of life. Those wearing John Deere attire are still welcome, but won't be nearly as cool.

If you wish to honor Wyman's memory, please consider a donation to Samaritan's Purse, a nonprofit he deeply cared for and supported throughout his life.