Marvin Lewis Wynn

Marvin WynnFor 83 years, family and friends enjoyed the quick wit and good humor, genuine spirit, and energetic camaraderie that Marvin Wynn embodied and shared with all. He takes with him his highly sought after masterful advice and more than his share of passionate convictions. The community has lost a brilliant mind and quiet leader who was respected and admired for his talents and economic development expertise.Marvin Lewis Wynn left this world the same way he lived in it: quietly. On Wednesday, April 12, 2017 in Midland, Texas, Marvin quietly passed due to complications from Parkinson's disease surrounded by his family.Born on October 11, 1933 in Lexington, Mississippi to Albert and Annie Alvis Wynn, young Marvin had an infectious and powerfully positive attitude combined with an incredible work ethic that helped him excel in his academic pursuits despite financial challenges. After his graduation from Brandon High School in Brandon, Mississippi, Marvin attended Mississippi Southern College (now University of Southern Mississippi) before graduating with his Bachelor Degree from Mississippi College in 1963. Marvin would be the first to tell you about the value of an education and a college degree because it helped him overcome the challenges of his impoverished upbringing and provided numerous opportunities.Marvin's celebrated a 42 year career in economic development, that spanned four communities and three states, started by chance with an economic development position at the Mid-Mississippi Development District in Newton, Mississippi. This led to his qualification for the coveted designation of Certified Economic Developer after being in the first class of the Economic Development Institute at his beloved University of Oklahoma.After serving over 13 years as the Vice President of Economic Development for the Tulsa Chamber of Commerce and leading Tulsa's efforts to transition from an oil dependent economy to a more diversified base, Marvin joined a private real estate firm and was soon appointed as a Trustee of Tulsa Industrial Authority. Marvin went on to be recruited and selected to become the Chief Operating Officer of the Wichita/Sedgwick County Partnership in Wichita, Kansas where it was recognized with the prestigious Excellence in Economic Development Award by the Arthur D. Little Company.Marvin strived to improve the quality of life for the citizens of the communities where he worked in economic development and chamber of commerce management. This passion was recognized by the Midland Chamber of Commerce who brought Marvin on as the President and Chief Executive Officer where he was a behind-the-scenes force in developing the Midland International Airport Terminal, the visitors' center, the Scharbauer Sports Complex, the enactment of the economic development sales tax and the recruitment of major employers to the Tall City.Marvin maintained state, regional, and national professional economic development association memberships throughout his career. He was elected President of the Southern Economic Development Council and President of the Kansas Industrial Development Association, along with a Board of Directors position, recognition with the Marvin Hurley Award and ultimately an Honorary Life Membership by the Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives. Locally, Marvin was an honorary life member of the Midland Chamber of Commerce, on the Board of Directors of the Senior Link Midland, a member of the Midland Downtown Rotary Club and a member of the First United Methodist Church of Midland.It can be debated if Marvin's career as \one of the country's leading economic developers\ took him places or if Marvin took his career places. Whichever is the case, over the years Marvin encountered three United States presidents, two Russian presidents, an editorial board meeting with the London Times, and a memorable recruitment experience with Hilti Corporation from Liechtenstein. Along the way, Marvin also turned down an appointment as Secretary of Commerce in the State of Delaware.Diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000, Marvin retired in 2004 to face the challenges of dealing with this debilitating disease. Parkinson's did not hold Marvin back and his retirement was filled with volunteer opportunities, shows at the Wagner Noel, dinners and outings with friends, workout sessions at COM Aquatics, out-of-state trips to visit family and a calendar filled with activities and events.Marvin attributes his accomplished career and his great life to his education and to his wife of 40 years, Susan Gish Wynn, whom he married on September 17, 1976 and was quickly nicknamed \Mister Amazing\ by his bride. While Susan failed to ever teach Marvin to dance, she did teach him to dress, how to relax and have fun, how to shower his grandchildren with affection, and what it means to truly love another. In return, Marvin taught Susan how to properly cheer for his Oklahoma Sooners. Without Susan's devotion, love and caretaking, Marvin would not have been able to deal with the effects of his Parkinson’s disease as easily.Marvin is survived by his wife, Susan, his sons Marc Austin and Alan Lewis, along with his daughters-in-law, Carole and Nivin and his grandchildren, Cooper and Reece Wynn of Tucson, Arizona and twins Hannah and Helena of Naperville, Illinois and was predeceased by his parents and brother, Charles K. Wynn.Marvin, Susan and the entire Wynn family want to extend their sincere appreciation to their friends in Midland and across the United States who have helped and supported them as they dealt with Marvin's Parkinson's disease. Life was made easier dealing with Parkinson's because so many caring friends had helped in so many ways.A memorial service to honor and celebrate Marvin's life will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Midland on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.Memorial donations may be made in Marvin's name to the Senior Link Midland at 3301 Sinclair Avenue, Midland, Texas 79707 or to a charity of your choice.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.,