Michael "Mike" R. Wingo

Michael "Mike" Wingo passed away on Friday, October 4, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at the Linda White Hospice House. Mike was born to the late Harold and Wanda (Vick) Wingo on December 21, 1955. He graduated from Central High School in 1973 and married the love of his life, Karla, in 1994. They recently celebrated their 30th anniversary with a renewal of their vows.

Together, Mike and Karla built a life full of family, travel, friends, and love. In 2001, they took a spontaneous vacation to Hilton Head Island, where they both immediately fell in love with this Southern Jewel. From then on, Hilton Head became a second home and their personal paradise, where they welcomed family and friends and enjoyed life to the fullest.

Mike always gave his very best and thus had an amazing professional career. After graduating high school, Mike began working in the coal mining industry. Over the next few years, he developed a passion for learning more about the electrical trade and was accepted into the IBEW apprenticeship program, from which he graduated. He spent over 20 years serving Industrial Contractors and other companies as a Journeyman Wireman for IBEW Local 16. Ever the mentor and educator, Mike was an instructor for the JATC apprenticeship program, influencing the careers of many young electricians.

Mike joined Toyota in 1997 and spent the next 24 years contributing to the growth of the company, eventually serving as the Senior Manager of Plant Engineering, Facilities, and Environmental Affairs—a job he loved.

After his retirement, Mike continued to share his vast management and technical experience through his consulting business while ensuring he had plenty of time to golf, travel, and enjoy his well-deserved retirement with Karla.

Mike is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Karla, with whom he affectionately shared the nickname "Honey-Pie." While he bravely battled multiple myeloma and amyloidosis over the past nine months, she never left his side. He is also survived by their three sons: Jeremy Wingo, Chris Wingo (Erin), and Michael Barrow (Salea). Mike was affectionately known as "Happy" by his grandchildren: Madison, Poet, Sage, River, Kaelyn, Wyatt, and Nixie, as well as his great-grandson, Maddox. Mike was looking forward to meeting his newest grandchild in November. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Charlene Stratman (Chuck); sisters-in-law, Marsha Wingo and Jane Laib; brother-in-law, Terry Laib (Kelly); and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his dear brother, Alan.

Karla would like to thank many people, including Dr. Todd Burry for his unwavering support, research, medical care, and dear friendship, as well as Dr. Stephens, Dr. Bhasin, and the caring nursing staff at St. Vincent Evansville, St. Vincent Indianapolis, UL Health/Jewish Hospital in Louisville, Encompass Health, and Deaconess Midtown for their compassionate care during this difficult journey. She extends immense gratitude to family and dear friends, including Dennis and Karla Hatfield, Todd and Amanda Burry (brothers/sisters at heart) along with an abundance of friends whose names cannot all be mentioned, for reaching out to Mike and Karla and providing prayers and support in so many ways.

Friends and family may visit from 11:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Alexander North Chapel, 4200 Stringtown Rd., Evansville, IN.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 6:30 p.m. following visitation. Please feel free to come in beach/resort attire or wear Mike's favorite color, purple.

In memory of Mike, please consider making a donation to an organization that was close to his heart, where he served as a board member: Holly’s House at www.hollyshouse.org/donate.html or Oliver’s Heroes at www.oliversheroes.org/donate.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderNorthChapel.com.