Wayne Curby Templeton

Wayne was born on September 13, 1939, in Red Oak, Iowa, to Goldie and Merle Templeton. When Wayne was young, his family moved to a farm in LaMonte, Missouri, where he spent much of his youth and graduated from LaMonte High School in 1957. Shortly after graduation, Wayne proudly enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country from August 30, 1957, to August 29, 1960.

Wayne married Virginia Kindle, and together they welcomed three children, Curby, Lee Ann and Charlie. He pursued higher education at State Fair College and Iowa State University, building a strong foundation for his future career.

Later in life, Wayne met the love of his life, Virginia “Ginny” Hughes. They were married on October 14, 1980, beginning a loving partnership that lasted 45 years. Through this marriage, Wayne became a devoted stepfather to two additional sons, Brian and Brad Swearngin. Wayne worked for 35 years as a gas controller for Panhandle Eastern Pipeline and later continued his career with Coastal Marketing Company/Duke Energy. After retiring, Wayne and Ginny enjoyed working part-time as school bus drivers for about three years.

Wayne’s greatest joy was his family. He deeply loved traveling to visit his children, siblings, and extended family and treasured time spent together. Most recently, he made a special trip from Texas to Missouri to attend his grandson’s wedding and see family. Wayne also enjoyed doing puzzles and had a lifelong love of travel. He was fortunate to see much of the world, visiting Europe, Asia, and Africa, among many other destinations, and enjoyed numerous cruises along the way. Wayne gave back to his community in many ways, he volunteered for AARP, at the local Katy Senior Center. At any given time, you could find him helping to do handy man jobs in the homes of the elderly through the Katy Home Savers. A few years ago, he and Ginny were recipients of the Volunteer of the Year award from the Happy Hearts Group.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Virginia Hughes Templeton; his sisters, Betty Shoe of Columbia, Missouri, and Patty Kirkpatrick (Herman) of Overland Park, Kansas; his sister-in-law, Patricia Phillips of Marshall, Missouri; and his brother-in-law, Michael Hughes (Karen) of Warrensburg, Missouri. He is also survived by his children, Curby Templeton (Kimberly) of Bradyville, Tennessee; Lee Ann Wilson (Andy Schuck) of Montgomery, Alabama; and Charlie Templeton of Woodbury, Tennessee. His stepsons, Brian Swearngin (Tiffani) of Camdenton, Missouri, and Brad Swearngin of Kansas City, Missouri, also survive him.

Wayne was a proud grandfather to Mary, CJ, Jennifer, Fred, and Corey, and a cherished great-grandfather to Conner, Chloe, Dylan, and Alexis. He was dearly loved by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle Templeton and Goldie Templeton Warren; his brother, Larry Templeton; stepfather, Higgins Warren; in-laws, Mike and Louise Hughes; and his brother-in-law, Forest “Bill” Shoe.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. at Katy Funeral Home, located at 23350 Kingsland Blvd., Katy, Texas. A meal will be served at 3:00 p.m. for family and friends.

A second visitation will take place on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home, 903 S. Ohio, Sedalia, Missouri, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 2:00 p.m. A meal for family and friends will be served at 3:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s honor to the American Cancer Society.