Michael W. Rynders

Dateline: Diamond Head, Mississippi Michael Rynders, 66 passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at his home in Diamondhead, MS. He was born on November 11, 1946 in Alton, IL to Ellis and Norma (Caswell) Rynders. He grew up in Alton, IL and attended Alton High School. At the age of 17 Mike joined the Marine Corp. Mike served in Vietnam from 1963 to 1965 and for his courageous service was awarded the Purple Heart and Silver Star. Mike then went into a 22 year career in law-enforcement with the Alton Police Dept. He began in 1966 until he retired in 1989 as a Lieutenant. During this time he graduated from McKendree University in Lebanon, IL with a degree in Administrative Justice. Michael also had a successful 33 year career in Real Estate Sales and assisted in the organization and startup of the Alton Gaming Company in 1991. After moving to Diamondhead he was employed by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department. Mike married the former Brenda Foreman in 2006 and they were happily married for seven years. He attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Pass Christian, MS. He was a member of the VFW, American Legion and was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. He loved boating, golf and spending time with his wife, family, and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his father, Ellis Rynders, infant son Paul Rynders, former wife Mary Ann Dooling, as well as his grandparents, several uncles and an aunt. He is survived by his wife Brenda, of Diamondhead, MS; mother, Norma (Caswell) Rummerfield of Godfrey, IL; two children: son, Eric (Jackie) Rynders of Springfield, Il; step-granddaughters, Bethany Davis and Randi Jean Freshour both of Springfield, IL.; son, Brian (Leslie) Rynders of Godfrey, IL; grandson, Logan Rynders of Godfrey, IL; Stepchildren, Adrienne (Terry) Podner Hayn, Hardin, IL, and Brad (Christina) Podner, El Paso, Texas; one brother, David Rynders of Galliano, LA, sisters: Janice (Thomas) Powers, Lebanon, Pa, Judith Kerr, North Port, FL, and Jane (Champ) Woodson, Alton, IL; several nieces, nephews and former wife Melissa (Newton) Seymour. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until time of memorial service at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2013 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Father Shawn Monahan will officiate. Burial will be at St. Joseph Cemetery. Per the family’s request, in lieu of flowers please make any Memorial contributions to: American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or Caring for Carcinoid Foundation (CFCF) 198 Tremont St., Box 456, Boston, MA 02116 www.caringforcarcinoid.org/donations PDF Printable Version

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Michael W. Rynders

November 11, 1946 - April 6, 2013