Douglas James Wyman, 95, of Oak Park, died peacefully on Feb. 24, 2023. Born in Detroit, Michigan on Jan. 9, 1928, to Frank and Kathleen Wyman, Doug and his wife, Barbara, moved their family to Oak Park and Ascension Parish 58 years ago.
In 1980 during his professional career as a printing salesman, he started his own consulting firm, Sales Directors. Within the printing industry, he became known as a “sales guru,” conducting seminars throughout the country.
He co-wrote multiple books on how to train successful salespeople. His tag line was “There is no such thing as a cold call. Rather, warm people who need your help.”
At Ascension, he served as lector, Eucharistic minister, and was a celebrated participant in the parish theatrical productions. He was among the founders of a faith community called Extending the Word, which brought about some of the closest friendships of his life and where he assumed the role of “wise spiritual elder.”
He and Barbara lived for 38 years on what he called “the best block in Oak Park, 1000 South Scoville, with the most loving and supportive neighbors.”
As a tireless social justice advocate, he was an early volunteer with PADS, now known as Housing Forward, an organization dedicated to helping end homelessness. As a member of Ascension’s Peace and Justice Committee, his passion was to end gun violence, and he was known as a champion fundraiser for the annual Crop Walk to end hunger worldwide.
He also became well known in local political circles through his work with the Village Manager Association (VMA), from 1968 to 2018, which was tasked with choosing good candidates to run for Oak Park village government.
His varied connections and relationships led him to become a radio personality as co-host of the Doris Davenport Show, also known as All Things Local.
His legacy will include the ability to find fun in every situation, persistence, service, good citizenship, eternal optimism, and the ability to encourage and inspire others. His message, learned from his grandfather, was, “If it is to be, it’s up to you and me.”
His strong baritone voice and great storytelling entertained many, as he held to the belief that you should “never let the facts get in the way of a good story.”
Mentor to countless locals and others, he took great joy in having deep and meaningful conversations with friends and strangers alike. His listening skills led to offering wise counsel and encouragement to people to use their strengths to follow and realize their dreams.
He perfected his famous “Doug Hug” through practice. His romantic devotion to his wife, Barbara, was manifested when he served as caregiver to her during the many years she suffered with Alzheimer’s disease.
Lynda Schueler, director of Housing Forward, said, “I will miss his hearty laugh and kindness.”
Doug was preceded in death by Barbara, his wife for 69 years. He was the father of David (Danita), Larry (the late Laura), Mark (Sylvia Nieves), Jim (Joy), Mary (Bruce Corson), Ann (Dale Amtower), Joe (Katy), John (Allyn) and Gerald (Krista) Wyman; the grandfather of Melissa, Alisha, Amanda, Chris, Dylan, Nick, Samantha, Daniel, Kathleen, Mila, Tesla, Terry, Sophie and Paul; the great-grandfather of 15; brother of the late Desmond (Josephine), Peggy Wyman and Jane (Douglas Kirkland); and the adopted father of many cousins and friends. He also leaves his beloved four-legged companion, Bebe.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Ascension Church on Saturday, March 18 at 10 a.m., with a reception following.
In lieu of flowers, please make a generous donation to this year’s CROP Hunger Walk in honor of Doug Wyman at https://events.crophungerwalk.org/2023/doug-wyman.
For more information, contact www.petersonfuneralhome.com
