Wayne James Felton

Wayne was born in Bakersfield, California in 1942 to Robert and Etta James. He grew up in Riverdale and graduated from Riverdale High in 1959. He married Berniece Beilage in 1961 and they moved to Coalinga where they lived for 50 years, later moving to Hanford. Wayne worked for the Fresno County Road Maintenance Department for 20 years and he managed his own rental houses for many years after that. Wayne was gifted at taking older homes and remodeling them.

At various times, he was a member of the Lion’s Club and Eagles. He served on the RC Baker Museum board, Coalinga Chamber of Commerce, and was Coalinga City Mayor for a portion of his time on the City Council. He spent two years restoring a 1934 Richfield Station which he had moved next to the museum .

Wayne was a hard-working man with a good sense of humor; in fact, he enjoyed telling the same jokes over and over and watching his daughter’s roll their eyes. He loved watching boxing, playing poker with family and friends, fishing and camping, square dancing, motorcycle riding both dirt and street. He restored his 1929 Model A and entered it into car shows for a while. He enjoyed traveling across the USA four times and seeing parts of Europe.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Berniece, daughters Laura Doty (Benjamin), and Lavon Head (Meik); grandchildren Ryan Doty, Carlin Doty (Lesley), Garrett Clark and Keaton Head (Claire); step-grandchildren Kristofer Head and Karen Head (Bill); and a great-grandchild Russel Doty. He was preceded in death by 9 siblings.

Condolences may be sent to Berniece James at PO Box 155, Hanford, CA. 93232.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RC Baker Memorial Museum for the upkeep of the Richfield Station at 297 W Elm Street, Coalinga, Ca. 93210 or to your favorite charity.

Only a small family gathering, no memorial service, will be held at this time due to the pandemic.

The family would appreciate your thoughts, comments or stories.