Lawrence Wayne Middlebrook

Lawrence Wayne Middlebrook was born the 8th of 9 children to Edith(Morgan) and George Edward Middlebrook in Hillsdale, Indiana. After losing his mother at a young age, he went to live with his older sister and her growing family. He married Opal Marie Barnes of Hillsdale on Dec. 26, 1936. They had 3 children, Shirley(Finkbeiner), Danny Middlebrook, and Patsy(North).

He joined the United States Army when he was 20 and served for 27 years, retiring Dec. 01, 1962. Wayne served in Italy during World War 2, receiving numerous commendations. He was awarded the American Defense Ribbon, the Bronze Service Star, and the Bronze Star Medal. While stationed in Germany, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Occupation Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Just before he retired he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service at Fort Carson. While he did see action during World War 2, Wayne’s main role in the army was in food service and he was well respected and admired by all those with whom he served. He was in charge of 85 mess halls at Fort Carson. After retiring from the Army, the family moved to Northglenn, CO. Wayne worked at McDonald’s for 18 years in the Denver area, where he was the supervisor of hiring, firing, and training for 10 restaurants owned by Carl Reed. In 1971, the family moved to Elizabeth, CO, where he resided until his passing.Even though he and his family moved to various locations while he was in the Army, they still enjoyed traveling around the United States during vacations. He especially enjoyed traveling to see his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Wayne was able to visit 49 of the 50 states, missing only Hawaii. Once he retired for good, Wayne enjoyed playing bingo, card games, cribbage, going camping and fishing in the mountains, and trying his luck with the slot machines in Las Vegas, Cripple Creek, and Blackhawk. He was treasurer for the Elizabeth area senior citizens group. Wayne also helped to raise his grandson Jason North.

Wayne was preceded in death by his 8 siblings, wife Marie, daughter Shirley, and son-in-law Steven North. He is survived by his son Danny(Marilyn), daughter Patsy, son-in-law Vern Finkbeiner, grandchildren Bruce(Melissa)Middlebrook, Amy (Danny) Randolph, Brad(Emily)Middlebrook, and Jason North. He had 9 great-grandchildren: Bruce’s Natalie, Jolie, and Brady Middlebrook; Amy’s Halley, Riley, and Luke Randolph; and Brad’s Maggie, Molly, and Jett Middlebrook. He also had numerous nieces and nephews

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There will be a graveside memorial service with military honors at the Elizabeth Cemetery on Friday, October 9, at 2:00pm. A celebration of his life will follow at the Elizabeth American Legion Hall at 228 South Banner Street. The family will be serving Wayne’s favorite dessert: PIE!

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his name to Elizabeth Veterans Memorial Fund and given or mailed to the family at PO Box 151, Elizabeth, CO, 80107.