Stephen Guynn

1945 - 2024

RANTOUL - Stephen James Guynn, 79, of Rantoul passed suddenly at home Sunday morning (Aug. 11, 2024).

He was born Jan. 26, 1945, in Champaign, a son of Godfrey and Ruth (Simon) Guynn. He married Jo Ann Zelena on May 25, 1994, in Franklin, Ind.

Also surviving are two sons, Matt (Sarah Kinsel) Guynn of Portland, Ore., and Jeff (Amy) Zelena of Athens, Ala.; a sister, Jeanette (Vic) Holliday of Champaign; and three grandchildren, Tony (Bailey) Zelena of Phoenix and Daniel and Owen Kinsel Guynn of Portland.

Steve graduated from Rantoul Township High School in 1963. He earned a degree from Manchester College in 1970 after spending two years in India with the Peace Corps researching bee diseases. He earned a master's degree in education and library science and completed a Ph.D. in 1981. Steve served in civil service with the Department of the Navy, and worked for Indiana University and Indianapolis public schools doing educational evaluation. Later in life, he taught in Rantoul public schools, worked for the Urbana Park District, did landscaping and worked at the Rantoul Public Library.

Steve had a curious mind and was interested in learning about landscape gardening, literature, philosophy and almost any topic. He spent many hours reading his countless books and sending specially chosen books to family and friends. Steve loved music, especially jazz and blues, and took ballroom dancing with his wife, Jo. He loved allowing his many dogs to make mischief. Steve enjoyed working in the yard, painting the barn and creating a lovely haven at their farmstead.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul. Pastor David Allison will officiate. Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, Rantoul. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Lux Memorial Chapel.