Del "Dean" Forsythe

With a generous heart and unwavering integrity, Del "Dean" Forsythe lived a life rich in family and faith. Quiet and hardworking, Del was never one to demand the spotlight. With a humble sureness of himself and tremendous pride in those he loved, Del greeted each day as a gift and every person as a friend. His frank honesty and warm hugs proved legendary, and his commitment to the good care of others was unquestionable. Revered by many, Del will long be remembered by those who were blessed to know him. It was during the Great Depression, a time of great uncertainty and tremendous change, that Del was born in Jerome, Iowa, on November 22, 1935. Del's childhood years were difficult, and his family’s circumstances presented many challenges. These experiences helped to mold his work ethic and determination upon which he consciously built the rest of his life. It was in these years that Del realized the values of hard work, generosity, and honesty that became the cornerstone of his character. During his freshman year in high school in Reynolds, Illinois, Del first met the love of his life, Myrna Wynn. The new guy in a class with fewer than 50 students, Del was an instant attraction. The young pair enjoyed a first date at the local military academy's latest stage production with another couple. Despite getting home at 1 am, which was a bit later than Myrna was expected to be home, the date was a success. After being adopted by Walter and Mabel (Fetters) Forsythe, during his junior year of high school, Del moved to Oak Lawn, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. There he attended Oak Lawn Community High School, where, after having played football and basketball in Reynolds, he took up wrestling. When he could, Del would drive back to Reynolds to see Myrna, and though the distance prevented them from continuously dating, he always held her close to his heart. After proudly graduating with the class of 1954, Del set his eyes on spending a future with Myrna. The happy couple married on July 16, 1955, and settled in Orland Park, Illinois, where they would make their home for the next ten years. Here their family grew to include their three sons, Allan, Dennis, and Douglas. Del provided for his family through his work as a Tool & Die Supervisor at General Motors. With Myrna at his side, Del created a home rooted in unflinching honesty; you always knew where you stood with him. In 1966, Del transferred to the plant in Kalamazoo, and the family chose to settle in the rural village of Vicksburg. In 1967, they found their church family upon joining the Vicksburg United Methodist Church. Always quick to volunteer his time and talents, Del was an active member of the local Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Loyal Order of Moose. He also worked for a time with the Vicksburg Ambulance Service. A hardworking man, Del also knew the value of balancing life with leisure activities. When his boys were young, Del often took them camping and instilled a deep love and appreciation for the outdoors. He also enjoyed playing cards with his family and listening to classic country and gospel music. Though quiet in nature, Del liked to socialize and party in the right setting. If he was doing the cooking, it was on the grill, and he was always responsible for mixing the drinks. His favorite pastime was traveling, and upon retiring from General Motors after 37 ½ years of loyal service, he and Myrna were able to do so with more freedom. With their fifth wheel in tow, they enjoyed exploring the country together. Over the years, they made the long trip to Alaska twice and eventually spent their winters in Southern Texas. Each Spring, they returned to Vicksburg renewed and eager to reconnect with their family and fellowship. Without a doubt, it is difficult to imagine life in the absence of Del's steadfast presence. May we find comfort in our cherished memories of the fine man we were privileged to know. May we also be comforted by the knowledge that we carry the best of his legacy forward in our own lives, and that each time we share these gifts, we keep his spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us. Del "Dean" Forsythe, of Vicksburg, passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at the age of 84. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Myrna; two sons: Dennis Lee (Kathleen) Forsythe, of Vicksburg; Douglas Eugene Forsythe, of Vicksburg; four grandchildren: Nicole Lee Rayburn, of TN; Amanda Marian (Matthew) Nixon, of MI; Elizabeth Anne (George) Palat, of Az; Andrew Dennis Forsythe, of MI; five great-grandchildren: Tyler James Deau, Morgan Lee Rayburn, Allyson Nicole Rayburn, Caleb Nixon, and Chloe Nixon. He is also survived by one brother: Charles (Kay) Dooley, of IA; one daughter-in-law: Gloria Forsythe, of Kalamazoo; two sisters-in-law: Paulita Forsythe and Sharon Wynn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Del is preceded in death by two sons: Allan Dean Forsythe and a baby boy; two brothers: Dennis Dooley and Earl Dooley; brothers-in-law: Kelly Wynn and Gary Travis; one sister-in-law: Joyce Wynn Travis. The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm at the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg. The funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 am at the Vicksburg United Methodist Church, 217 S. Main, Vicksburg, with visiting one-hour prior at the church. The service will be officiated by Reverend Greg Culver. Please visit Del's webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his life story, sign the guestbook, and share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make contributions to the Vicksburg United Methodist Church and/or Rose Arbor. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697).