Wayne Slaten Gentry

Wayne Slaten Gentry passed away on April 3, 2026 at the age of 97. Wayne was born March 6, 1929 in the beautiful northern New Mexico town of Rutheron to Frank Gentry and Thelma Slaten. The eldest of four children, he and his siblings spent their childhood exploring the scenic and rugged countryside. Being resourceful, he often provided fresh trout for his family’s dinner. Here he established his lifelong appreciation for nature. Later the family moved to California eventually ending up in Humboldt County. Wayne was earnest and intelligent graduating from Arcata High and UC Berkeley with a degree in engineering. The Korean war had begun when he joined the Navy. As an officer he received training in Atomic, Biological and Chemical Defense eventually becoming a ships Chief Operating Engineer. After an honorable discharge, he met his first wife Lhea Calvert. They had three children together. Starting a young family, they moved to Sacramento and he began a long career for the State Department of Water Resources. Ever ambitious he moved up to become the Northern District Bureau Chief in Red Bluff, California. In Dec.of 1974 he married Martha Anne Craig. Together they were happy with a house full of teenagers. Throughout his life he maintained a close relationship with their eight combined children. Wayne was civic minded and always wanted to do the right thing. His contribution included Kiwanis, Rotary, Cubmaster, Elks, SIRS, school board and an elder for the Presbyterian Church. Always active, he was an avid fisherman, climbed Mount Shasta three times, backpacked, snow skied and golfed. He took his family to many state and national parks. A traveler he visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico, throughout Europe, China, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand. Mostly Wayne was known for his quick and genuine smile. He enjoyed life and was always happy to see you. He was an intelligent, good and kind man. He was predeceased by his parents, wife Martha Anne Gentry, brother Frank Gentry, sister Norma Stewart, son Andrew Gentry and stepson Ward Campbell. He is survived by his sister Karen McPhail ( Larry), daughters Yvonne Holloway and Dianna Sweet (Steve), his stepchildren Marti Campbell Bristow, Leeann Oelrichs (Ron), Lynn Sato (Earl) and Oliver Storm Craig (Denise.) He was Grandpa to 15 adoring grandchildren and several great grandchildren. He was also loved by his nieces. A service will be held April 22, 2026 at 10 AM at the Oak Hill cemetery in Red Bluff California. A reception will follow at the Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 838 Jefferson St., Red Bluff, CA.