Dr. Wynne Jackson Harrell of Springfield, MO, passed away September 16, 2021. He was born in Kearney, Nebraska, on March 22, 1933, to Arthur G. and Margaret (Weinle) Harrell. Wynne's childhood was spent in several cities due to his father's career as a band director. In addition to Kearney, the family lived in Jefferson City, MO; Independence, MO; and Wichita, KS. Wynne graduated from Wichita East High School in 1951 before attending Wichita State University, graduating with his BMEd (1956) and MMEd (1959). He went on to graduate from University of Missouri Kansas City with his DMA - Music Education (1967).

On August 9, 1958, Wynne married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) Theiss, who was also a teacher. Together they raised two daughters, Mary Lynne and Kathy. Wynne enjoyed spending time with his family, camping, and boating at Table Rock Lake each summer. In addition, Wynne enjoyed playing golf, reading mysteries, and solving crossword puzzles. He was also a member of Delta Upsilon, Phi Mu Alpha Symposium, Phi Delta Kappa, and Abou Ben Adhem Shrine.

Wynne's lifelong dedication to music education began at West Junior High School in Kansas City, Kansas, before moving to Wichita to help open Wichita South High School. In addition to developing the band and orchestra programs at Wichita South for 8 years, Wynne also helped build the music program as the Director of Music for Ferguson-Florissant Schools in St. Louis, where the number of music positions nearly doubled during his 8-year tenure. While in St. Louis, he developed and coordinated the Six Flags Band and Choral Festival, serving in this capacity for six years.

In 1975 the Harrell family moved to Springfield, MO, when Wynne accepted the position of Professor of Music Education at Missouri State University. In addition to teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, Wynne was very involved in professional music organizations at both the national and state levels including MENC, KMEA, and MMEA. In 2000, Wynne concluded his 44-year teaching career when he retired from Missouri State University. Wynne served on the board or as an officer of MMEA for 42 years, including 26 years as the Executive Secretary of MMEA until fully retiring in 2012.

Dr. Harrell's dedication to the profession and to the area of music education was recognized multiple times. He received seven "Certificate of Merit" awards and was inducted into the Missouri Music Educators Association's "Hall of Fame" in 1998. In 2001, MMEA created the "Harrell Music Scholarship" as a tribute to Wynne's unwavering source of support and encouragement for the profession of music education. In 2005, Wynne was named a Lowell Mason Fellow. This prestigious national award is given to individuals who have uniquely contributed to music education, and Dr. Harrell is the only Missourian to date to have received this award. In addition, Wynne was humbled and honored to receive news just prior to his passing that the MMEA Board had voted to rename the "MMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award" to the "Dr. Wynne J. Harrell Outstanding Music Educator Award" in honor of his dedication, support, and leadership to countless students, educators, faculty, and administrators at every level.

Wynne was preceded in death by his wife Betty (Theiss) Harrell, brother Rev. Hugh A. Harrell, twin brother Dr. Wayne A. Harrell, and grandson Lane P. Golden. He is survived by his daughters Mary Lynne Golden and husband James, and Kathleen Ann Wiley and husband Ted; beloved grandchildren Elizabeth, Andrew, Larissa, and Ethan; as well as his brother Ray D. Harrell and wife Delores; sisters-in-law Patsy Harrell and Phyllis Harrell; nieces, nephews, and many friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on Saturday, October 2, 2021. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am with the service immediately following at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, in his honor, to the MMEA Harrell Music Scholarship or to an animal shelter of your choice.