Gordon F. Wyns

Gordon Frank Wyns, 97, of Shelby, Michigan, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, May 1, 2019, at the Oceana Medical Care Facility, Hart, MI.

Gordon was born to Franciscus “Frank” and Gladys Wyns, on March 7, 1922, the second of ten children, at their farm east of Shelby.  In high school he competed in all sports, excelling in track and field, placing among the top five long jumpers in the state.  He graduated from Shelby High School in 1940.

Gordon matriculated to Michigan State College (University) in the fall of 1940.  Upon completion of his sophomore year at Michigan State, Gordon began his flight training at Naval Aviation School at Quantico, Virginia.  A fond memory he shared was doing take-offs and landings “touch and goes” on the Indianapolis Speedway infield during his flight training at Butler University.  With an over-supply of pilots and limited combat positions available in the Navy Air Corps, he was allowed to transfer into the Army Air Corps in 1944 and discharged in 1945.

Gordon married Patricia “Pat” Harrison Wyns, on December 2, 1943, and celebrated their 75 years of marriage this past December.  After the war they settled in Shelby.  Gordon worked as office manager for Fruitland Canning Co. and then Chimont Machine Products, and as inventory controller for Muskegon Hardware & Supply and later for Action Industrial Supply.

He was a former member of the Optimist Club, Shelby Rec. Club, a life member of the Oceana Wigton Benona Free and Accepted Masonic Lodge, a founding member of Oceana Country Club, and served as Shelby Village Council president.

Gordon enjoyed golf, big band music, Detroit Tiger baseball, Michigan State Spartans, cribbage, working in his yard, reading, walking, and his old Buick.  He was the official scorekeeper for the Shelby Tiger Varsity basketball teams and clock operator for Shelby Varsity Football during the 1960s-1970s.  He had the privilege of scorekeeping at courtside during Shelby’s back-to-back state championships in 1971-72.

Gordon is survived by his wife Pat, sisters: Carol Inglis, Leta Mitteer, and Sandy (Lee) Dean; sons: John (Barbara) and Jeff (Karen); grandchildren: Brian (Karen); Molly Wyns (Dan Mather), and Betsy Wyns (Dylan Huebner), and great grandchildren: Harrison, Hope, and Leoma.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Sam, Barney, Bob, and Steve; sisters: Phyllis and Marilyn.

A memorial service will be held June 15 at the Harris Funeral Home in Shelby.  Visitation will start at 11:00 AM, memorial at Noon, a luncheon will follow at the Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Shelby Public Schools Athletic Department.

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