For now, we see only a reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know in full, even as I am fully known. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12
Wynn Alan Lembright died peacefully at his home in Brentwood, Tennessee and departed to a higher life on Saturday, February 17, 2024. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bonnie; children Holly (Corey) Martin and Jonathan (Jennifer) Lembright; grandchildren Grace (2001), Gwyneth, Jackson and Amelia Martin and Adeline, Abraham and Emma Lembright; and sisters Carol Groh and Dana (Leo) DeSpain.
He was born April 14, 1942, at Union Hospital in eastern Ohio to Elmer Reuben and Virginia Ellen Lembright. Elmer was an industrial arts teacher at Dover High School and Virginia was a homemaker. His parents taught Wynn to love God, see His image in others, and to forgive with ease. Wynn was encouraged to work from a young age and earned his first paycheck from Judy’s Greenhouse in Dover at age 12, which involved climbing into pipes with a rope tied around his ankle to pull him back out. In his spare hours, he loved spending time with his sisters and cousins at the Lembright family farm among the rolling hills near Ragersville.
Athletics were also a passion. While size prevented him from realizing his dream of becoming a jockey, it did lend itself to football and he soon established himself on the high school team, which eventually led him to the University of Toledo where he played football and majored in engineering. It was during this time that he met his wife, Bonnie, who was also a student, and just happened to be sitting a few pews ahead of him at church in a “pretty yellow dress and hat”. After college, he was drafted by the NFL’s New York Giants and then went on to work for Eli Lilly and Company. He and Bonnie continued to date and were eventually married on March 19, 1966.
Soon after, he felt called to go into ministry. In a season of hesitancy, his supervisor at Eli Lilly sat down with him, read ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost, and then urged him to follow his calling. He finished ministry training at Princeton Theological Seminary in 1972 while pastoring a small church in New Jersey. During this time, their daughter Holly was born, and the growing family moved to Philadelphia where he began his work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). Their son Jonathan was born soon after and this remained home for the family until 1983. He then returned to his Midwest roots after taking a position at Taylor University in Upland, Indiana. The small college town became their home for the next 25 years, with Bonnie teaching 1st grade in nearby Gas City. If you knew Wynn, you most certainly knew of his love for Taylor. During these years he continued his investment in people on campus, in the local community, and also those far away through outreach trips to India, Australia and through his work with Project Mercy in Ethiopia.
In 2011, he and Bonnie moved to Nashville where he became involved in New Hope Academy and found a rich sense of community there, within their local church, and with various fellowship groups he helped to lead. He also loved nature and spent as much time as possible in the wilds of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with his kids and grandkids. In his cabin on Piatt Lake he prominently displayed William Cowper’s quote, “Nature is but a name for an effect, whose cause is God.”
The world is a better place because of Wynn. His life was characterized by a love for people and a passion for Jesus. He lived intentionally, faithfully and fully with the years he was given. He was loved and will be missed greatly, but we also rejoice greatly in his homecoming and return to the Shepherd and Guardian of his soul (1 Peter 2:25).
Soli Deo Gloria
A private service will be held for Wynn with burial to follow in Fiat Cemetery. Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek is assisting the family with arrangements.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com
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